Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College baseball team secured a victory against Moravian University at the 2024 Russ Matt Central Florida Invitational. The game took place on Monday at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex, where the Blueboys overcame a four-run deficit with an impressive eight-run eighth inning, finishing with a 15-4 win. This result improves their season record to 5-2.

Andrew Wieneke started on the mound for Illinois College but faced early challenges after issuing two walks. Moravian initially led with an RBI double in the first inning and extended their lead to 3-0 by the third inning, highlighted by Cole Cherkas' solo home run. A wild pitch added another run for Moravian, bringing the score to 4-0.

Illinois College began their comeback in the fourth inning when Louie Bartletti walked and advanced on Tyler Barker's single. Connor Hennemann drove in Bartletti with an RBI single, making it 1-4. An error by Moravian allowed two more runs, followed by Ryan Huskey's RBI single that tied the game at four.

In the sixth inning, Jon Tate hit a two-run homer that put Illinois College ahead 6-4. Although Moravian scored again off a wild pitch from reliever Tyler Allen, Chris Campau helped close out the inning without further damage.

The decisive eighth inning saw Illinois College score eight runs starting with Huskey being hit by a pitch to bring in Henneman. Ryne Mapes and Adam Passmore contributed with RBI singles, while Nolan Decker drew a walk that increased their lead further. Hennemann capped off his performance with another key hit driving in two more runs.

Hennemann led Illinois College offensively with four hits and three RBIs, sharing this achievement with Logan Schweigert. Anthony Buonaura earned credit for the win as part of a pitching staff that struck out nine batters and allowed only one run over six innings.

Illinois College is set to play Northland College next at Lake Myrtle Sports Complex on Tuesday morning.