Pioneers to battle UW-La Crosse in WIAC playoffs

Platteville, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's baseball team (15-25, 8-20 WIAC) will travel to UW-La Crosse (29-11, 19-9 WIAC) for the opening round of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship (presented by Culver's) on Wednesday, May 19. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The Pioneers and Eagles matchup will feature the top two individual hitters in the WIAC. Junior outfielder Jonathan Kelso led the WIAC with a .450 average (68-for-151). UW-La Crosse's Brennan Schmitt was second with a .425 average (45-for-106). Kelso led the WIAC in hits (68), total bases (118), stolen bases (27), on base percentage (.538), and slugging percentage (.781). He is tied for the league lead in runs scored (52), second in doubles (18), fourth in triples (4), and seventh in homeruns (8).

In the final doubleheader of the regular season, Kelso broke the school record for hits in a season and career hits. Kelso has 196 career hits and owns three of the top six spots for hits in a season. The Vila Park, Illinois native is closing in on eight career school records.

Junior left-handed pitcher Michael Greco led the Pioneers on the mound with a 4.17 ERA. Freshman Sam Hernandez and junior Nate Jennings led the Pioneers with three wins apiece.

Schmitt also leads the Eagles in homeruns (6) and doubles (13). Zach Carney leads the Eagles in hits with 62.

In seven appearances, Chris Seveska leads the Eagles in ERA (1.72). Zach Pronschinske leads the Eagles with six victories on the mound.

The winner of the contest will move on to a double elimination tournament hosted by UW-Whitewater on Friday, May 21. UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater earned first round byes. UW-Stout hosts UW-Oshkosh in the second opening round matchup.

To follow the WIAC Softball Championship, visit www.Wiacsports.com. To follow the remaining spring action for the Pioneers, visit www.Letsgopioneers.com for links for live stats, postgame recaps and links for the contests that are live streamed. Follow the official social media accounts of Pioneer Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.