The Webster University baseball team saw its three-game win streak snapped with a 14-3 loss to Benedictine University (IL), on March 6 at GCS Ballpark. The Gorloks finished the round robin they were hosting with a 3-1 record for the weekend.
Benedictine reached Webster starter C.J. Lee (JR, Aurora, IL/Waubonsie Valley) for five runs in the third inning, powered by four doubles. Johnny Lord (SR, Naperville, IL/Nequa Valley) relieved in the fourth and was nicked for an unearned run as a Gorlok error with two out allowed the Eagles sixth run. Benedictine added a pair of runs in the fifth on three hits to take an 8-0 lead.
The Gorloks got on the board with three runs in the fifth. Adam Naliwajko (JR, Mt. Prospect, IL/St. Viator) was hit by a pitch and Eric Outlaw (FR, Park Ridge, IL/Maine West) doubled. Brandon Smith (SR, Imperial, MO/Seckman) was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Conner Wardlaw (JR, Arnold, MO/Jefferson College) singled through the right side, scoring Naliwajko. Mike Wick )JR, Bartlett, IL/Bartlett) hit a sacrifice fly to score Outlaw, but Wardlaw was thrown out trying to advance. Kyle Uhrich (SR, St. Louis, MO/Webster Groves) doubled to score Smith for the third run, and an 8-3 game.
Joe Elfink (SR, Leopold, MO/Leopold) took over on the mound for Webster in the sixth and pitched a scoreless inning, but got into trouble in the seventh. After giving up a leadoff double and hitting a batter, Elfrink struck out the next two batters. Back to back walks forced in a run and Gorlok pitcher Avery Braun (FR, Wentzville, MO/Timberland) made his collegiate debut. Braun hit the only batter he saw, forcing in another run, and Brett Jungles (SR, Naperville, IL/St. Francis) was summoned. He was greeted with a double for two, and after a walk, a second double scored two more. Benedictine had six more runs and a 14-3 lead.
The Gorloks went down in the seventh and the Eagles won on the seven inning '10-run' rule. Lee wound up taking the loss and is 0-1 on the season.
Wardlaw was 2-3 with an RBI and Bishop was 2-3. Uhrich was 1-3 with a double and RBI.
Webster will head to Florida for the Russ Matt Central Florida Invitational on March 11. The Gorloks will play seven games over eight days against NCAA III teams.
