Carol Stream, Ill. – The Wheaton baseball team edged the University of Chicago in a Tuesday night non-conference thriller with a 7-6 victory. Junior Mason Diel knocked in the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth to ensure the walk-off win.
The Thunder put up seven runs on nine hits while Chicago tallied six runs on 10 hits, matching the Thunder with two errors apiece. Sophomore Will McCluskey made his season debut on the mound, striking out three batters across the first 2.1 innings and allowing two earned runs. The bullpen did not allow an earned run for the Thunder, as Rutledge Feltel struck out one batter in 1.2 innings of relief. Joshua Liu had a stellar relief appearance, only allowing three hits in 3.1 innings. Senior John McCraith earned his second win of the season with 1.2 innings of scoreless work. He allowed one hit and struck out one Chicago batter.
Along with the walk-off single, Mason Diel finished the day 3-5 with three RBI, including a two-run home run. Luke Hamm had a successful evening, ripping two doubles, an RBI, and a run, finishing 2-3 at the plate. Jacob Snyder went 1-4 with a double and run, bringing his team-leading total to four two-baggers this year. A total of six players recorded at least one hit, and seven players recorded a run in tonight's team effort.
Wheaton took an early lead when senior Harrison Stanton drove Jacob Snyder in for the first run of the game. The Maroons tied the game an inning later on a passed ball. They continued building their lead, going up 6-1 in the top of the fourth inning. That's when the Thunder began chipping away at the deficit. After a single by Joe Klein in the bottom of the fourth inning, Mason Diel quickly cut the lead to three with a two-run home run over the right-field fence. The Thunder were not done, as junior Payton McClowry found his way to third base after a walk, stolen base, and error. Luke Hamm scored the outfielder with a sacrifice fly.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Harrison Stanton reached base on a walk. Mason Diel kept the momentum going with a single to right field. Stanton was able to score on a throwing error forced by McClowry as the Thunder deficit fell to one run.
Luke Hamm started the sixth inning with a double down the right-field line. A sacrifice bunt by Matt Nelson advanced Hamm to third. He quickly scored on the next batter as Kyle Wu reached safely on a fielder's choice, tying the game.
The game went back and forth for the next two innings. The home team was able to roll a double play in the seventh to prevent any damage. In the top of the eighth, the Maroons made some noise putting runners at second and third base. But senior pitcher John McCraith escaped the jam, drawing a flyout and a huge strikeout at the end of the sequence.
Determined to win the back-and-forth matchup, Wu began the bottom of the ninth with an infield single. Some small-ball by the Thunder saw Wu advance to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Jacob Snyder. After earning CCIW Hitter of the Week recognition this past week, Chicago intentionally walked Joe Klein. That's when Mason Diel called the game with a hard single to score Wu and clinch the victory.
The walk-off win was the Thunder's fifth win in six games, bringing their season record to 5-6. They have an opportunity to tally a few more wins this weekend, as Wheaton hosts the University of Wisconsin-Stout in a three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 5 PM Friday at Lee Pfund Stadium.
