BOXSCORE

Lisle, Ill. – The Wheaton baseball team used a key ninth-inning run to break a 2-2 tie and earn a 3-2 victory at Benedictine University on Tuesday night. Wheaton is now 14-15 overall and Benedictine is 10-13 on the season. The Thunder will resume conference play on Friday at 6 PM, when Wheaton hosts Elmhurst at Alexian Field in Schaumburg. Friday's game will be broadcast on WETN radio, with live in-game statistics here.

Wheaton scored three runs, on eight hits, with two errors and the Eagles plated two runs, on eight hits, with one error. Starting pitcher Matt MaLossi worked seven innings, as he allowed two runs, on six hits, with four walks and four strikeouts. Steve Noble earned the win in one inning of relief as he held Benedictine scoreless, with a strikeout. Junior John Little received the save in an inning of relief as he held Benedictine to no runs, on two hits and two strikeouts.

All-American shortstop Brian Kolb was 2-for-3, with a double, two walks, a stolen base, one run scored and two RBI. Freshman Ryan Miller was 2-for-4, with a double and a run scored and Mark Price was 2-for-4, with a RBI.

In the top of the third inning, Miller hit a one-out double to left field and he scored on the next at bat as Kolb hit a double to right centerfield. Three batters later, Price belted a double to drive in Kolb as the Thunder took a 2-0 lead. Benedictine plated a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at 2-2.

With one out in the top of the ninth inning catcher Brian Whartnaby reached on an Eagle error. Kolb reached safely on a fielder's choice as Whartnaby crossed the plate to give Wheaton a 3-2 lead. Little entered the game in relief, and with runners at second and third base and two outs he struck out Benedictine's final batter to secure the victory.