Chicago, Ill. - In a game that held significance in determining the seeding for the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Baseball Tournament , the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks welcomed the Dominican University Stars to Ed Glancy Field on Friday for their regular season finale, as well as senior day. With seeding placement on the line, the Hawks (23-16, 17-7) and the Stars (15-24, 7-17) went to battle in a double-header. In both games, the Hawks went down early, but fought their way back to record a sweep over the Stars. In game one, Michael Paxson slammed a walk-off, 3-run home run to left field to give the Hawks a 5-3 victory. Then in game two, the Hawks would pick up three runs between the seventh and eighth inning to record a 8-5 victory.
Sophomore Tyler Gutsfeld extended his hitting streak to 23 games.
Junior Michael Paxson hit two home runs for the day, bringing his season total to 14 and his career total to 26.
With the sweep, the Hawks earned the No. 4 seed in the NACC Baseball Tournament.
Senior Day
At the conclusion of game two, the Hawks honored their five seniors for their contributions to Illinois Tech both on and off the field: Austin Richardson, Connor Blake, David Cooper, Samuel Sproule, and Michael Lindenmuth.
Game One (Illinois Tech 5 - Dominican 3 (7 innings))
-
The visiting Stars began the game picking up two runs in the first inning. Anthony Nalbono doubled down the right field line to bring in one run. Nalbano then reached home off a Nike Krecu sac-fly to center field. At the end of the first inning, the Stars led the Hawks 2-0.
-
After two scoreless innings from both sides, the Hawks got on the board with their first run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Connor Blake was walked to begin the inning and then stole second during the next at-bat. With one out, Michael Lindenmuth doubled to left field, scoring Blake. The lone run brought the Hawks within one as they trailed the Stars 2-1 at the end of the fourth inning.
-
The Stars then took back a 2-run lead with a run scored in the top of the fifth. With a runner on third, Nalbono reached on an error, allowing Matthew Partridge to score. At the end of the fifth inning, the Stars led the Hawks 3-1.
-
Then, in the bottom of the seventh and in final inning of the game the Hawks completed a comeback to win. With one out, Jack Friar reached first on an error by the Stars. Matthew Bove was then walked, putting runners on first and second. Friar then scored to bring the Hawks within one off a Tyler Gutsfeld single. Then, with the game on the line, Michael Paxson stepped up to bat and hit a game-winning, 3-run walk-off home run to left field. The Hawks won game one by a final score of 5-3 in seven innings.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Stars Standouts
-
Grayson Downing - 1-for-4 with 1 run
-
Anthony Nalbono - 1-for-4 with a double, 1 RBI, and 1 run
-
Zach Helein - 2-for-3
Game Two (Illinois Tech 8 - Dominican 5)
-
One run would go in favor of the Stars to begin the game. Grayson Downing reached home off a Nico Krecu sac-fly to center field.
-
The Stars then extended their lead in the second inning with a run scored off a passed ball. At the end of the second inning, the Stars led the Hawks 2-0.
-
During the third inning, the Hawks picked up their first runs of the game. After reaching first on an error, Jack Friar later scored by advancing home on a Star error. During the same play, Tyler Gutsfeld advanced to third. On a Samuel Sproule bunt, Gutsfeld reached home, tying the game. At the end of the third inning, the Hawks and Stars were tied at 2-2.
-
In the fourth inning, the Stars would jump back ahead of the Hawks. Peyton Arsenault reached home off an AJ Davies single for the first run of the inning. Then, with bases loaded, a hit by pitch would send Matthew Partridge home. At the end of the fourth inning, the Hawks trailed the Stars 4-2.
-
The Hawks tied the contest during the fifth inning. Following a Friar walk and a Gutsfeld double down the right field line, runners would be in scoring position on second and third. Michael Paxson then stepped up to bat, and homered to left field to tie the game. At the end of the fifth inning, the Hawks and Stars were once again tied, this time at 5-5.
-
Following a scoreless sixth inning, the Hawks would go on to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh. With bases loaded and two outs, the winning run came in as Timmy Old was hit by a pitch, advancing everyone on base. At the end of the sixth inning, the Hawks led 6-5.
-
Then, in the bottom of the eighth, the Hawks extended their lead, giving them some breathing room. After Friar reached on a Star error and advanced to second on a passed ball, he later scored on a Gutsfeld single up the middle. Then, with bases loaded and one out, Paxson scored on a fielder's choice. Mason Kim would come in to pitch in the ninth to close out the win as they Hawks defeated the Stars 8-5.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
Stars Standouts
-
Niko Krecu - 1-for-2 with a sac-fly, 1 RBI, and 1 run
-
AJ Davies - 1-for-4 with 1 RBI
Up Next
With the regular season concluded, the Hawks now turn their focus towards the NACC Tournament. The No. 4 seeded Hawks will begin competition on Thursday, May 9th as they take on the highest seeded first round winner from Wednesday's two games, with seeding yet to be completed. The game between the Hawks and the yet to be determined opponent will take place at Benedictine University at 1:00 PM. If the Hawks win, they will turn around and play at 7:00 PM. If the Hawks lose, they will return to action on Friday, May 10th in an elimination game.
