Marvin lifts Pioneers to walkoff win over La Crosse, softball splits doubleheader

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Junior leadoff Payton Marvin's walkoff RBI hit in the bottom of the seventh of the nightcap secured the Pioneers 2-1 win over UW-La Crosse Friday evening. The Pioneers (15-9, 1-3) split the day with the Eagles (16-11, 1-3) after the visitors claimed the opener 3-1 earlier in the day.

UW-La Crosse got on the board first in game one with an RBI double to left center in the second inning. The Eagles added two more in the top of the seventh. The Pioneers were able to get on the board with freshman Calli Storms' grounder to short to score one run, but UW-La Crosse's lead was too much.

Senior Claire Bakkestuen (6-4) pitched the first six innings striking out three, walking one and allowing three earned runs on five hits. Freshman Jaena Michalak closed out game one in the circle and gave up one hit in the final inning.

The Eagles outhit 6-5 in game one and committed three errors to UW-Platteville's one error.

In the second game, the Eagles once again took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first with an RBI single up the middle.  Sophomore Alexandria Davis singled to centerfield to score one run in the fourth to tie the game.

Tied 1-1 going into the seventh, catcher Marvin and shortstop Davis teamed up for the third out of the top of the inning, with a runner caught stealing second. Junior Danielle Trumbo hit a single off the pitcher to put one runner on base with one out. Next up, Storms walked to put runners on first and second and Marvin drilled the first pitch to deep left center to run in pinch runner junior Kendall Drake.

Sophomore Taylor Roughen (8-3) pitched a complete game striking out two, walking one and allowing eight hits with one unearned run.  La Crosse's Stark (2-1) pitched the entire second game with the exception of the walkoff hit, striking out six, walking two and surrendering  five hits and two runs.

The Eagles held an 8-6 advantage in hits in the nightcap and committed the only error of the game.

Next up, the Pioneers will take on UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, April 15 in a WIAC doubleheader that was moved up one day due to forecasted rain. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the UW-Platteville Softball Complex.

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a $3 Pioneer burger the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering 10 tacos for $10 the day after each Pioneer win.