BOXSCORE

Schaumburg, Ill. - Schaumburg, Ill. - The #24-ranked Thunder baseball team, lost a 9-4 decision to Illinois Wesleyan University (12-12/6-4) on Friday afternoon at Alexian Field. The Titans rallied with four runs in the top of the ninth inning to break a 5-5 tie in earning the win. Illinois Wesleyan scored nine runs, on nine hits, with one error and Wheaton scored five runs, on 12 hits, with two errors.

Wheaton is now 19-7 on the year and 6-4 in CCIW play. The Thunder will travel to Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday for a 1 PM doubleheader at Jack Horenberger Field in Bloomington to conclude the three-game series between the two teams. Saturday's twinbill will be broadcast by Illinois Wesleyan's WESN radio with online audio available here. Live in-game statistics will also be available here, courtesy of the Illinois Wesleyan Sports Information Office.

Steve Dennison (5-2) took the loss in 8-1/3 innings for the Thunder. Dennison allowed eight runs, six earned, on seven hits. The Thunder junior walked seven Titans and struck out one. Sophomore Matt MaLossi pitched 2/3 of an inning of relief, allowing one run, on two hits, with one walk and a strikeout.

Thunder shortstop Brian Kolb was 3-for-5, with a run scored. Sophomore centerfielder Justin Zeller was 2-for-4, with a home run, as he drove in three runs and scored twice. Senior Josh Weaver was 2-for-4, with a run scored and sophomore Drew Golz was 2-for-4, with a RBI.

Illinois Wesleyan took an early 4-0 lead, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. Wheaton responded with three runs in the bottom of the first as Zeller belted a three-run home run over the fence in rightfield. Wheaton took the lead with a 5-4 edge by scoring two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Golz hit a RBI-single in the inning and Danny Pyne drove in a run to give the hosts the lead.

The Titans tied the game at 5-5 with a run in the top of the fourth inning. Illinois Wesleyan scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to break the tie. A three-run pinch-hit single by Kevin Callahan was a key hit in the inning for the Titans.