Lucky Number Seven For Gorloks, Top #16 Wash U
The #26 Webster University baseball team downed the #16 Washington University Bears, 5-3, on April 12 at GCS Ballpark. In what was a see-saw battle early, a three-run fourth inning and stout relief pitching by Brandon Smith and Johnny Lord carried the Gorloks to their seventh straight win.
Washington University came into the game on a nine-game win streak that propelled them into the top twenty nationally in the ABCA/Collegiate Baseball poll this week, but Webster came out of the contest with its streak intact.
Wash U got on the board first with a run in the top of the second off Webster starter Matt Mulhearn (FR, Chicago Heights, IL/Marion Catholic). Webster would tie it in their half. Jake Milosch (SO, St. Charles, IL/St. Charles East) was hit by pitch and advanced to second on a passed ball. Joe Swanson (FR, Park Ridge, IL/Maine West) singled, scoring Milosch to tie the game at 1-1.
The Bears reached Mulhearn for an unearned run in the third, as a run scored on a passed ball. Brandon Smith (SR, Imperial, MO/Seckman) relieved Mulhearn with two out and, after hitting a batter, got the final out on a strikeout. The Gorloks came right back again in their half.
Conner Wardlaw (JR, Arnold, MO/Seckman) doubled and Eric Outlaw (FR, Park Ridge, IL/Maine West) singled, with Wardlaw taking third. Wardlaw scored on a wild pitch to make it a 2-2 game. Smith gave up a run in the top of the fourth as once again Wash U took a one-run lead, 4-3. This time the Gorloks answered with three runs to grab the lead themselves.
Nate Tholl (SO, Tinley Ridge, IL/John A Logan CC) led off with a single and Mike Wick (JR, Bartlett, IL/Bartlett) walked. Wardlaw sacrificed the runners to second and third and Outlaw walked to load the bases. Kyle Uhrich (SR, St. Louis, MO/Webster Groves) followed with a double, scoring Tholl and Wardlaw and sending Outlaw to third. Outlaw scored on a wild pitch and Webster led, 5-3.
Smith went 3 2/3 innings, giving up a hit, walk, and one run, while striking out six. Smith picked up the win and is 3-0 on the season. Johnny Lord (SR, Naperville, IL/Nequa Valley) took over with one down in the seventh for Smith. Lord went the final 2 2/3 innings for the save, giving up one hit and a walk, while striking out four.
Outlaw was 2-3 with a walk, stolen base, and run scored. Uhrich was 1-2 with two RBIs and reached base twice on hit by pitch, and Wollnik was 2-3.
Webster is 7-0 in the SLIAC and 17-7 overall, riding the seven-game win streak. Washington U falls to 16-6 with the loss.
The Gorloks travel to Louisville, KY, on April 15 for a doubleheader vs. Spalding University. The Golden Eagles are 9-2 in the SLIAC and 19-8 overall.
STORY COURTESY OF WEBSTER UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
