BOXSCORE

Carol Stream, Ill. – The Thunder baseball team was a 23-13 winner against Elmhurst under overcast skies and occasionally windy conditions on Friday afternoon at Legion Field. Wheaton scored 23 runs, on 24 hits, with no errors and Elmhurst scored 13 runs, on 12 hits, with three errors. Each of the nine batters in the Thunder lineup collected at least one hit in today's game, with five batters getting three or more hits. 

Wheaton is now 18-11 on the year and 7-8 in CCIW games. With the win, the Thunder tied the school record for wins in a single season with 18, tying the mark that is also held by the 1994 and 1999 teams. The Thunder will look to set a new standard for victories on Saturday in a 1 PM doubleheader at Elmhurst's (10-21/4-12) Butterfield Park. Live stats of Saturday's twinbill will be provided online.

Matt Bradley" />Today's slugfest started early when Elmhurst scored four runs in the top of the first inning and Wheaton countered with eight runs in the bottom of the first. Wheaton's offensive output in its half of the first was highlighted by two-RBI singles from infielders Brian Kolb and Matt Bradley# (PICTURED AT RIGHT). Josh Weaver added a RBI-double to leftfield, while seniors Luke Munch and Nate Pugh each hit RBI singles. Elmhurst scored four runs in the top of the third inning and added two more in the top of the fourth to take a 10-8 lead.

Wheaton countered with three consecutive five-run innings, the first coming in the bottom of the fifth to re-take the lead at 13-10. Kolb belted a two-RBI double, Danny Pyne drove in two runs with a single and Bradley sacrifice fly accounted for Wheaton's five runs in the inning. Elmhurst scored a run in the top of the sixth; however Wheaton added five more in the bottom of the fifth to give the hosts an 18-11 lead. Bradley drove in two runs in the sixth with a single and RBI-singles by Weaver and Pyne aided the Wheaton effort. Elmhurst scored two runs in the top of the seventh. However, Wheaton scored five runs, all with no outs, in the bottom of the seventh to take a 23-13 lead and end the game. Omar Vargas blasted a double to the centerfield fence to drive in two runs and then a RBI-single through the left side of the infield by Kolb ended the game.

John Little" />Pyne was 4-for-4 on the day with three RBI and a run scored. Weaver went 4-for-5, with double and a stolen base as he scored three runs and drove in three more. Bradley went 3-for-5, with a double, a stolen base, five RBI and two runs scored. Kolb also drove in five runs as he went 3-for-5, with a walk, three runs scored, a double and a stolen base. Vargas had a strong day at the plate, going 3-for-5, with a double, three runs scored and two more driven in. Senior centerfielder Dan Falvey was 2-for-2, with two walks and three runs scored.

Thunder starting pitcher Josh Weaver pitched four innings, allowing nine earned runs, on seven hits, with three strikeouts. John Little (2-1) earned the victory in three innings of relief. Little (PICTURED LEFT) allowed three runs, on five hits, with four strikeouts.