Titans Knock Off Ninth-Ranked Tommies

UW-Oshkosh smacked six extra-base hits during a 12-8 victory over the University of St. Thomas (Minn.) baseball team on Tuesday (March 25) in Auburndale, Fla.

The Tommies (9-5) are ranked ninth in the NCAA Division III by D3baseball.com.

The Titans (4-1) jumped to a 7-2 lead before the University of St. Thomas rallied to tie the score in the fifth inning. UW-Oshkosh then put the game away with a two-run triple by Trent Whitcomb and solo homers from Trey Demler and Bobby Kachel.

Steve Maher, a 2012 first-team All-American, took the loss for the Tommies after allowing eight runs. Peter Jewell pitched the final 4.2 innings to earn the win for the Titans. He allowed just one run with five strikeouts.

During the first inning, Jake Dostalek delivered a bases-clearing double to give the Titans a 3-0 lead. The University of St. Thomas cut into its deficit with run-scoring hits by Tyler Peterson and Tim Kuziar in the bottom half.

UW-Oshkosh continued its attack in the second frame. After Tyler Kozlowski singled in one run, Robbie Kleman blasted a three-run homer to make it 7-2.

Kuzniar got hit by pitches to force in runs during both the third and fourth innings. The Tommies tied the score, 7-7, after a throwing error in the fifth.

During the sixth inning, Whitcomb continued his strong week by stealing third base. The catcher's throw was off-target, allowing him to score the go-ahead run.

UW-Oshkosh starter Travis Sindles allowed four earned runs with five strikeouts in the first 4.1 innings.

The University of St. Thomas had Luc Henke relieve Maher after six innings. Henke surrendered four earned runs on four hits over 1.2 frames.

Five Titans posted a multi-hit game, with Ian Czarneski totaling three hits and two runs scored. Ben Podobinski led the Tommies with four hits and two runs batted in.

UW-Oshkosh matches up with Union College (N.Y.) on Wednesday (March 26) in Auburndale.

By Jon Feyen

Photo by Joanna Kachel