The Illinois College baseball team won both games against Ripon in a Midwest Conference doubleheader on April 18 at Francis Field. The Blueboys came from behind to win the first game 7-6 and then secured an 18-2 victory in the second game, which ended after seven innings.
These wins improve Illinois College’s record to 19-13 overall and 10-4 in conference play, while Ripon’s record falls to 4-21 and 3-9. The results are significant as they strengthen Illinois College’s position within the Midwest Conference of NCAA Division III, where it competes according to the official website.
In the first game, Ketch Mills and Nicholas Muskopf contributed early runs for Illinois College. Logan Fleener tied the game with an RBI single in the sixth inning before Muskopf tripled during a late rally that led to three runs in the eighth inning. Nathan Walker led with three hits, while pitcher Dawson Vernier earned his fifth win of the season. Xavier Koch provided scoreless relief pitching, and Connor Akstulewicz recorded his second save.
The second game saw Illinois College take control early with nine runs over two innings. Tyler Barker had an RBI double, Mills added an RBI single, and Muskopf contributed both a double and additional RBIs throughout the match. Ethan Klunk drove in two more runs during a three-run fourth inning. Pitcher Anthony Buonaura improved his record by allowing only two runs over six innings pitched.
Illinois College Blue Boys Baseball offers intercollegiate opportunities for students as part of its athletics program according to its official website. The team plays its home games at Joe Brooks Baseball Field as reported by their official site.
The Blueboys will conclude their weekend series against Ripon with another game scheduled for tomorrow at noon.
