Warriors amass 20 hits in rout of Crusaders

Lang wins third straight decision on the mound

Jake Thorsteins drove in five runs for the Warriors on Saturday

Box Score

MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Lutheran collected 20 hits in a game for the fourth time this season en route to claiming a 16-4 victory over Maranatha Baptist Bible College on Saturday in the first game of a NAC baseball twinbill at Neumann Family Field. With the win, WLC guaranteed itself back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time since 2002-03.

The Warriors, who were designated as the visiting team on the scoreboard because the game was moved from Watertown, Wis., due to field conditions, totaled 15 hits through their first three innings for an impressive 12-0 lead.

Following Maranatha's first run of the game in the third and the only scoreless frame in the fourth, WLC continued its scoring barrage with four runs over the final three innings. The Crusaders plated three runs during their final two frames, but the Warriors' 12-run lead (16-4) was too much for MBBC. The game was called after seven innings due to run-rule.

Junior Ryan Pollesch (Markesan, Wis./Markesan) went 4-for-5 with four runs scored and an RBI for Wisconsin Lutheran. Senior Jake Thorsteins (Round Lake Beach, Ill./Shoreland Lutheran), junior Ethan Geis (Fond du Lac, Wis./Winnebago Lutheran) and freshman Doug Martin (West Bend, Wis./Kettle Moraine Lutheran) added three hits each. Thorsteins drove in five runs, while senior Kyle Edlhuber (Mukwonago, Wis./Luther Preparatory) scored four times.

Junior Matt Lang (East Troy, Wis./East Troy) won his third consecutive start (3-5) after tossing all 7.0 innings. He allowed four runs, three earned, on 11 hits. Lang struck out three batters without surrendering any walks.

Nathan Lyle led the way at the plate for the Crusaders (4-22, 0-21 NAC) by going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Sam Prusak was 2-for-3. Starting pitcher Ezekiel Leeds lasted just 2.1 innings and was dealt the loss (1-6). He gave up 12 runs, all earned, on 13 base hits. 

Wisconsin Lutheran (10-26, 6-15 NAC) faces Maranatha in the second game of its NAC doubleheader and final contest of the 2010 season on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Neumann Family Field.