Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's baseball team, holding a 9-10 overall record, split a doubleheader against Minnesota Duluth (8-7 overall) on Saturday in Auburndale, Florida. The Warriors were defeated 7-2 in the first game but secured a 3-1 victory in the second. Their next series is against No. 7 ranked Florida Southern (18-5 overall), with four games scheduled from Friday to Sunday.

In the first game, both teams scored a run in the opening inning. Wayne State's run came when Bennett Hitzelberger brought Mason McGuire home with a sacrifice fly. Minnesota Duluth then added runs in the second, third, and fourth innings to take a 4-1 lead. Wayne State managed another run in the fourth as Brady Blakita scored on McGuire's fielder's choice. However, Minnesota Duluth added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings to seal their win.

Hitzelberger made his debut start for Wayne State but ended with an 0-1 record after pitching two innings and giving up two earned runs on two hits. Braylon Laroo was effective over three innings of relief work, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out one batter.

In the second game, sophomore pitcher Will DeMasse played a crucial role for Wayne State by securing his first career victory after pitching four-and-a-third innings. He allowed one earned run on four hits. Ethan Getting achieved his first save for Wayne State by delivering eight outs and allowing just one hit with four strikeouts.

Offensively, Wayne State scored twice in the first inning through contributions from Hitzelberger and Caleb Sanders. Hitzelberger also doubled in Gabe Zeldes during the seventh inning to extend their lead to 3-1.