Brinkman Goes Nine Innings in Titans’ Win Over Webster
SAUGET, Ill.- In the final game of the three-game road trip to Sauget, the UW-Oshkosh baseball team beat Webster University (Mo.) for the second time in three days at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.
The Gorloks jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, hitting a double off starting pitcher Connor Brinkman. Neither team scored again until the fourth inning when Webster hit a two-run home run off Brinkman, increasing their lead to 3-0.
Brenden Max hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the fifth inning, scoring Connor Giusti then Jack McNamara scored on a single to left from Jake Surane after stealing third to pull the score to 3-2.
The Titans tied the game up in the sixth when Zach Taylor doubled to lead off the inning then scored when Mason Kirchberg singled two batters later. Webster scored on a double play in the bottom of the sixth to increase their lead again.
Both teams went down in order in the seventh and the eighth with the score sitting at 4-3 headed into the final inning. Nicholas Shiu lined out to start the ninth, followed by a walk for Kirchberg and a flyout by Giusti. McNamara advanced McKellips, who pinch ran for Kirchberg, on a single to center. Chase Marsh hit a single, then advanced to second on an error, while McKellips and McNamara both scored. The Titans got the bases loaded again but stranded them all when Matt Scherrman fouled out. The Gorloks got two on base, but couldn't score any, ending the game with a 5-4 Oshkosh win.
Brinkman (2-0, 1.59 ERA) earned the win with 9.0 innings pitched, giving up four runs (three earned) on nine hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Looking Forward
The Titans return to action for games against DePauw University (Ind.) and Transylvania University (Ky.) in Lexington, Ky. on March 11-12.