St. Norbert Times

Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Sports

[Click to enlarge]

The Green Knights competed well against the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) this year. In double-headers against UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Platteville, SNC was able to take the first game each. Following the second game against the Oshkosh Titans, the team won its next five games.

Returning home to Mel Nicks Field, the Knights welcomed the Pioneers of Carroll University. To create the perfect storm, the team brought their bats to go along with hot pitching for the double header as the Green Knights poured on the runs. In the first game, pitcher Trevin Hillesheim '10 struck out four and allowed only one hit in six innings.

"Whenever I take the mound my main focus is giving our team a chance to win," said Hillesheim. "I try to get ahead in counts and let the hitters put the ball in play so my defense can make the plays."

With eleven hits coming from seven different batters, the Knights put up 13 runs to Carroll's three. In the second game, pitcher Justin Wotachek '09 had four strikeouts and allowed only four hits in five innings. An eight-run second inning by SNC proved to be too much, as the Pioneers went down 13-2.

Heading to the Pioneer's home in Waukesha the following match-up saw more of the same. SNC piled on 17 hits in a 16-4 victory in game one. The team kept their stealing ways flying as many players successfully stole bases, including outfielder Brandon Hintz '11 stealing four including home. In the second game, pitcher Bryan Stoppenbach '11 pitched nine solid innings with eight strikeouts and only three hits to win 7-1.

After a routing of Carroll, SNC headed back to the WIAC to compete with UW-Platteville. Wotacheck again pitched well, going six innings with only two earned runs on three hits. Tony Jandron '10 got the save and added on two RBI's to aid the Knights to a 6-3 win. The win was especially important as it was the first time in any season for the program that SNC baseball recorded a win over three different WIAC schools. Unfortunately for the Knights, they could not continue the 5-game win streak, as they gave up game two 13-5.

Whenever you play against a team from the WIAC you know you're going to be tested," said catcher Jeff Schneider '09. "This year we've been able to hold our own against all three of the teams we've faced from that conference, which shows how much we've prepared and improved as a team."

The men got back on the horse with a win against Beloit College at home in beautiful 73 degree weather. Infielder Cory Fuller '09 provided four RBI's in the win against the top-25 ranked Buccaneers 11-7. Nine hits in the second game were not enough as Beloit split the double-header with a 10-7 victory.

"We have a solid group of veteran players who are dedicated to making this team one of the best we've ever put together and a great group of young players who have been contributing to the success of the team," said Schneider. "There is no doubt in my mind that we are capable of being the MWC champions this year."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools