Illinois Wesleyan University’s baseball team won against Wheaton College, 9-7, after a late three-run home run by junior Luca Morelli on April 21 at Jack Horenberger Field. The Titans improved their record to 12-18 overall and 8-6 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Wheaton’s record fell to 14-18 for the season and 7-9 in conference play.
The win was significant as it marked Illinois Wesleyan’s fifth victory in their last six games, showing momentum as they continue through the season. The comeback was driven by outfielders Matt Hudik and Jack Novak. Hudik had two hits and three runs batted in, including a game-tying double. Novak hit his third home run of the week, which was also his fifth career homer.
Pitcher Brennan Tomhave started for Illinois Wesleyan, giving up two hits and two runs over five innings while striking out three batters. Relief pitchers Anthony Fry, Caleb Martinez, and Brayden Elliott also contributed on the mound. Martinez pitched two scoreless innings with one hit allowed, while Elliott closed out the game for his fourth save this year.
Wheaton took an early lead in the first inning due to walks and a double but Illinois Wesleyan responded quickly with hits from Hudik, Ben Ford, and John Philip Ferraro to cut into that lead. After several scoreless innings from both teams’ pitchers, IWU tied the game in the fifth before Wheaton regained a four-run advantage in the sixth inning following a series of singles and a home run.
Illinois Wesleyan narrowed the deficit again before mounting their decisive rally late in the game. Three consecutive hit batters loaded the bases for IWU before Hudik’s bloop single tied it up ahead of Morelli’s winning home run.
The Titans are scheduled to play again on April 22 against Illinois College at Joe Brooks Baseball Field.
