Pioneers pick up first win in doubleheader split

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville baseball team earned its first win of 2014 in game one of a doubleheader against Loras Sundayafternoon.

After allowing a run in the top of the first in game one, the Pioneers tied it up in their half of the inning on an RBI fielder's choice by second baseman George Jester III. 

Loras regained the lead with a run in the third, and then posted four runs in the fourth, aided by some early-season mistakes on defense by the Pioneers. 

UW-Platteville cut into the lead in the bottom of the fourth via back-to-back RBI doubles from right fielder John Walsh and catcher Chris Ferchau, making the score 6-3. 

The Duhawks scored once in the fifth, but the Pioneers answered, scoring in the once in the fifth and sixth innings, and jumping on the Loras reliever Jeremy Gerardy for three runs to take the lead at 8-7, and that's where the score would remain.

Sophomore Kevin Maher picked up the win in his first mound appearance for the Pioneers, hurling a solid five innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out three.

In the second game, the Pioneers were blanked 4-0, as Loras starter Patrick Walsh threw seven innings and struck out 10. 

Despite the loss, the Pioneers received solid performances from Nathan Fay, who allowed just three runs in six innings of work on the mound. Fay was also making his first career pitching appearance for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers return to action next Sunday in Fort Myers, Fla., as they take on Johns Hopkins at 3 p.m.