Pioneers Drop 8-7 Game To Fontbonne

CLAYTON, Mo. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville baseball team (1-3) overcame a five-run deficit to tie the game against Fontbonne (4-3), but the Griffins won 8-7 via a walk-off in the bottom of the ninth on Sunday afternoon in Clayton, Missouri.

An error helped the Pioneer score first with two runs in the top of the third, but the Griffins answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning on a double and a pair of sacrifice flies. Fontbonne increased the lead to 7-2 across the next two innings with three runs in the fourth and another in the fifth on a solo home run.

UW-Platteville's offense cut into the deficit in the top of the seventh, starting with an RBI double by sophomore Caleb Parker. Senior Mitchell Pomeroy brought home two runs with a double to right and later came around to score on a single by senior Jake Wegner. The Pioneers tied the game at seven apiece on another RBI double by Parker, but the Griffins walked it off in the bottom of ninth on a two-out single to center.

Junior Josh Belgrave started the game for UW-Platteville and allowed three runs across three innings while striking out four. Freshman Isaac Then followed by allowing three in one inning before junior Connor Paulson tossed the next four innings while allowing just one run and one hit. Sophomore William Hough was dealt the loss after giving up the walk-off in the ninth.

The Pioneers finished with 11 hits and five walks, highlighted by a three double performance by Parker. Senior Hunter Hopkins also tallied multiple hits, including a double, while senior Wyatt Molitor reached base four times via walks.

UW-Platteville will return to action on Sunday, March 10 when it takes on McMurry in Pensacola, Florida at 3 p.m.