DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Duhawks have had a flair for the dramatic when playing their crosstown foes as of late, and that trend continued as the Purple and Gold came away with an exciting 2-1 win over the University of Dubuque.
It was a pitcher's dual throughout, and sophomore
Adam Williamson delivered in every facet for the Duhawks. The Streator, Ill. native made his second start of the season and routinely had the Spartans off-balance, allowing only six hits, and striking out two.
Offensively, it was neither squad's masterpiece, but action began at the bottom of the sixth inning for Loras (14-8, 4-3 A-R-C).
Jackson Cullen hit a one-out single, which was followed by two walks. With bases-loaded,
Vince Polizzi delivered with a well-hit ball into center field, giving the Duhawks a one-run lead.
The University of Dubuque (10-9, 2-3) would push through Loras' hitting efforts and give themselves a chance with the ninth inning approaching and the score still stuck at 1-0. With a runner on third, and one out, the Spartans found the game-tying run after a wild pitch snuck by catcher
Jake Olszewski. Williamson's day would be done after this, and the bullpen was active for the Purple and Gold.
Dylan Ackermann was called upon to keep it tied, and he delivered, but had to escape a bases loaded jam in the process.
In the top of the tenth,
Danny Hiemer was given the reigns. Again, the Spartans would load the bases with only one out, but the senior leader would strike out the last two and keep the score 1-1.
Finally, in the eleventh inning, Loras would come through.
Jake Zeal was hit by the first pitch he saw, and the pair of
Cody Sunny and
Jacob Willis would beat out bunt singles to load the bases. Polizzi stepped up, and with two strikes, delivered a line-drive single into left, scoring Zeal and winning the game in walk-off fashion.
Key City Classics
This is now the fourth meeting of the past five between University of Dubuque and Loras that was decided by one run. The other game in question was a two-run win for the Duhawks. The Purple and Gold have now captured the past nine straight against their crosstown rivals.
On Deck: Loras will take on Buena Vista University at Petrakis Park in Dubuque, Iowa. The first pitch is set for Friday, April 4 at 6 p.m.
