STORM LAKE, Iowa (March 28, 2025) – Nebraska Wesleyan baseball split its American Rivers Conference doubleheader at Buena Vista on Saturday, dropping the opener 11-6 before rallying for an improbable 18-4 victory in the nightcap, fueled by a nine-run ninth inning.
How It Happened
Game 1: BVU 11, NWU 6
The Prairie Wolves (12-6, 2-4 A-R-C) battled early but couldn't contain Buena Vista's late surge. NWU trailed 4-3 entering the eighth before Tyler Merkel launched a three-run homer to give the Wolves a 6-4 lead. But BVU (14-5, 6-1 ARC) answered with seven runs in the bottom of the frame, highlighted by Joel Garcia's three-run blast and Drew Taylor's bases-clearing double.
Merkel finished 3-for-4 with 3 RBI, while Aaron Chazin also added three hits. Starter Theo Hughes struck out four over six innings, but BVU's bullpen shut the door with Zach Pleggenkuhle earning the win in relief.
Game 2: NWU 18, BVU 4
The nightcap was a tale of two games, until the ninth inning made it a blowout. Leading 3-1 in the seventh, NWU exploded for six runs, capitalizing on a BVU error and a balk. Then, in the ninth, the Wolves sent 12 batters to the plate, scoring nine runs on eight hits, including a three-run homer by Tommy Fiocchi and a three-run shot from Jake Shedarowich.
Carter Bjorkman delivered two clutch RBI singles off the bench, while Carter Betts went 4-for-5 with two runs. Starter Trevor Storer (3-0) dominated with five scoreless innings, scattering four hits and striking out five.
Notes
- NWU had 9 runs, 8 hits, 1 BVU error, 34 pitches in the ninth inning of game two.
- BVU's relievers allowed 15 runs in Game 2; NWU's Max Brammier and Brady Bell limited damage late.
- The Prairie Wolves hit five homers on the day (Merkel, Bell, Fiocchi, Shedarowich, Easton Johnson).
Up Next
NWU returns home to face Grinnell on Tuesday at 1 PM. The doubleheader will air on the Prairie Wolves Sports Network.
