Chicago, IL. — Illinois Tech Baseall(16-17, 11-7 NACC) soared to an 8–4 victory and a narrow 12–11 walk off win over Benedictine University (12-22, 6-12 NACC) at Ed Glancy Field on Wednesday. The Scarlet Hawks built an early lead in the first game and showcased a remarkable comeback in the second game, highlighted by the walk off double by Ryan Fostiak in the bottom of the ninth inning.

How it Happened

In the first game, Illinois Tech took an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on Benedictine's defensive errors. Jack Friar was hit by a pitch and advanced to third on Ryan Fostiak's single. Quinton Riepl reached on an error, loading the bases. Philip Bentz then delivered an RBI single, and subsequent hits by Tyler Gutsfeld and Logan Inman extended the lead. Kendall Miyasato's two-RBI play, aided by an error, completed the four-run inning, leaving the Scarlet Hawks leading 4–0 after one inning.

In the second inning, Tanner Jenkins singled and advanced on a walk to Friar. A stolen base and an error allowed Jenkins to score. Riepl then added a sacrifice fly to bring home Friar, increasing the lead to 6–0 through two innings.

Illinois Tech added a run in the seventh when Friar walked and eventually scored on another sacrifice fly by Riepl, extending the lead to 7–0. In the eighth inning, Miyasato reached on an error and scored on a single by Jonah Wilkes, making it 8–0. The Eagles managed to score four runs in the ninth inning, highlighted by a three-run homer from Mike Budorick, but Illinois Tech secured the 8–4 victory.

In the second game, Benedictine took an early lead in the first inning when Tommy Jusi scored after being caught in a rundown, putting Illinois Tech down 1-0. The Eagles then extended their lead in the third inning, scoring five runs, including a two-RBI double from Spencer Geake. Illinois Tech responded with a sacrifice fly RBI from Ryan Fostiak, narrowing the deficit to 6-1 after three innings.

The fourth inning saw the Scarlet Hawks rally with five runs. Tyler Gutsfeld doubled and scored on a single by Kendall Miyasato, and Jonah Wilkes and Tanner Jenkins contributed with RBIs, tying the game at 6-6. However, Benedictine added another run, leading 7-6 after four innings.

Illinois Tech scored two runs in the sixth, with Quinton Riepl and Philip Bentz driving in runs to cut into the Eagles' lead. The score was 9-8 in favor of Benedictine after six innings. By the seventh inning, Illinois Tech tied the game 9-9 after Tanner Jenkins scored on a groundout. Benedictine regained the lead in the eighth with a single run, making it 10-9.

In a dramatic ninth inning, Illinois Tech mounted a comeback. Miyasato walked and eventually scored on a groundout. Fostiak then delivered a two-RBI double, bringing home the winning runs for a final score of 12–11.

Scarlet Hawk Pitchers

In the first game, Cameron Bracewell pitched 8 innings, allowing 7 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 6 and issuing 4 walks. He earned the win to improve his record to 3-2. Alexander Lazes entered in relief, pitching 2/3 of an inning, giving up 2 hits, including a home run, and walking 1 while striking out 1 batter. Cullen Fulling faced a single batter, throwing 2 pitches, both strikes, to record the final out.

In the second game, Austin Schnurr started for Illinois Tech, pitching 2 2/3 innings while allowing six earned runs on six hits, with one walk and one strikeout. Cullen Fulling followed with 1 1/3 innings, surrendering one earned run and three hits. Joshua Lamberson delivered a solid performance, pitching three innings and giving up two earned runs on two hits. John Moran allowing one run on two hits in just 1/3 of an inning, while Carson Weis and Tommy Jewell closed the game with 2/3 and one inning pitched, respectively, with Jewell allowing one run on one hit and securing the win thanks to the 3 run Scarlet Hawk rally.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Jack Friar  
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- 3 runs  
- 1 hit  
- 2 walks  
- 1 stolen base  

Quinton Riepl  
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- 2 RBIs  
- 1 run  

Philip Bentz  
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- 2 hits  
- 1 RBI  
- 1 double  

Cameron Bracewell  
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- 8 innings pitched  
- 6 strikeouts  
- 1 earned run  
- 4 walks  

In the second game:  
Jack Friar  
----------------------  
- 3 hits  
- 2 RBIs  
- 1 double  
- 1 stolen base  

Ryan Fostiak  
----------------------  
- 4 RBIs  
- 1 hit  
- 1 double  
- 1 stolen base  

Kendall Miyasato  
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- 3 runs  
- 2 hits  
- 1 RBI  

Benedictine Top Performers

In the first game:  
Mike Budorick  
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- 1 home run  
- 3 RBIs  
- 2 walks  

Luke Hickey  
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- 6 innings pitched  
- 2 strikeouts  
- 1 earned run  

In the second game:  
Tommy Jusi  
----------------------  
- 2 runs  
- 2 RBIs  
- 1 double  

Spencer Geake  
----------------------  
- 1 run  
- 3 RBIs  
- 1 double  
- 1 stolen base  

Preston Popovich  
----------------------  
- 2 runs  
- 3 hits  
- 1 double  

Game Notes:
- Austin Schnurr started their first game of the season.  

Up Next
Looking ahead, Illinois Tech will travel to face Concordia University (Wis.) at noon CT Saturday, April 25 in Mequon, Wisconsin.