MOUNT VERNON, Iowa (WLCSports.com) – Cornell College scored three runs in the seventh inning and walked it off in the ninth to hand Wisconsin Lutheran College a 4-3 non-conference loss on Sunday at Ash Park Field.
The Warriors (4-9) struck first with a two-run opening inning. Sophomore
Ryan Pierquet (Chilton, Wis.) led off with a double and later scored on a fielder's choice by junior
Ian Rintelman (Muskego, Wis.). Junior
Colt Ratliff (Oxford, Ga.) followed with an RBI double to left-center to give WLC a 2-0 lead.
That advantage held behind a strong start from senior
Austin Preiss (South Milwaukee, Wis.), who tossed six scoreless innings, allowing five hits while striking out two.
The Rams (8-7) broke through in the seventh, taking advantage of three hit batters and a key two-out, two-run single to tie the game. A double steal later in the inning gave CC a 3-2 lead.
Wisconsin Lutheran answered in the ninth. Senior
Oliver Lopeztello (Chicago, Ill.) leadoff the inning with a single and later scored on a Cornell fielding error to even the score at 3-3.
In the bottom half, a triple and pair of intentional walks loaded the bases with one out before a single to left brought home the winning run.
Pierquet and sophomore
Jacob Lorbecki (Richfield, Wis.) each recorded two hits to lead the Warriors' nine-hit effort.
Thomas Hunt led the Rams at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Garrett Roehl also recorded two hits, including the game-winner. Hunt earned the win in relief, allowing one unearned run over the final two innings.
WLC opens Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference play on Wednesday, hosting Edgewood (8-6, 2-0 NACC) in a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Wisconsin Brewing Company Park in Oconomowoc. Live coverage links can be found at WLCSports.com.
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