GRINNELL, IA – The Beloit College Buccaneers showcased a high-powered offense and a penchant for the long ball during a Midwest Conference doubleheader against Grinnell College at Pioneer Park today. Despite a pair of tough losses—falling 10-8 in the opener and 17-5 in the nightcap—the Buccaneers' bats remained red-hot, accounting for five home runs and 13 total runs on the day.
Game 1: Beloit 8, Grinnell 10
The Buccaneers (16-14, 9-5 MWC) opened the day with an explosive five-run first inning, quickly silencing the home crowd. The fireworks began when Seth Brankey (Salem, Wis.) crushed a two-run home run to left field, scoring Jack Alport (Arlington Heights, Ill.). The inning continued with disciplined plate appearances as Drew Hanson (Edgerton, Wis.) drew an RBI walk and Brody Bremer (Mesa, Ariz.) was hit by a pitch to drive in another. Beloit capped the frame when Alport reached on an error that allowed another run to cross, giving the Bucs a commanding 5-0 lead.
While the Pioneers (15-13, 9-2 MWC) chipped away at the lead, Beloit's power hitters refused to back down. Nolan Tomsyck (Muskego, Wis) hammered a solo home run in the top of the 5th inning to keep the pressure on. In the 7th, Alport launched a solo shot of his own, followed by an Aiden Wood (Chandler, Ariz.) RBI double that scored Blake Nelson (Monument, CO.).
On the mound, Collin Wright (Longmont, CO.) provided 3.1 innings of stellar scoreless relief, surrendering only three hits while striking out three to keep the Buccaneers within striking distance until the final out.
Game 2: Beloit 5, Grinnell 17
In the afternoon matchup, Beloit once again proved they could score in bunches. After falling behind early, the Buccaneers erupted for five runs in the top of the 3rd inning.
The rally was headlined by the top of the order. Alport delivered the biggest blow of the game for Beloit, a towering three-run home run that scored Bremer and Roan Schmidt (Simi Valley, Calif.). Immediately following Alport's blast, Brankey went back-to-back, sending a solo shot over the fence for his second home run of the day. Tomsyck capped the scoring surge with an RBI single to center, driving in Wood.
The Buccaneers and Pioneers are back at it tomorrow at noon at Pioneer Park.