WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Elmhurst University baseball team opened the 2025 season Friday afternoon, taking on UW-Platteville in a non-conference matchup, falling by a score of 7-5.
Despite an early lead, Elmhurst couldn't hold off Platteville's explosive fourth inning. Elmhurst managed to collect eight hits and two home runs, but Platteville's clutch hitting and strong pitching proved to be the difference.
Rock Smith led the offense, going 2-for-3 with a home run, three runs scored, and one RBI. Logan Bryant also had a strong performance, hitting a three-run homer. Brett Vercruyss contributed with a double and two hits.
Elmhurst's starting pitcher, Charlie Smith, lasted 3.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits while striking out one. Davis Maifield took the loss after surrendering three runs in relief. Carson Gnade and Jack Krueger combined for three scoreless innings late in the game, but the deficit proved too much to overcome. Platteville's Bixby earned the win, allowing five runs over eight innings while striking out four, and Kephart secured the save.
The game started quietly, with both teams failing to score in the first inning. Elmhurst was the first to break through in the top of the second when Smith launched a solo home run to left field, giving them a 1-0 lead. Later in the inning, Bryant delivered a crucial two-out, three-run home run, extending Elmhurst's lead to 3-0. Platteville threatened in the bottom half, putting a runner on base, but Charlie Smith worked out of trouble to keep the lead intact.
After a scoreless third, Platteville's offense erupted in the fourth inning. A leadoff single set the stage, and after a walk and a fielder's choice, Fago crushed a three-run home run to left field, tying the game at 3-3. The rally didn't stop there, as a walk and two singles loaded the bases, leading to a two-run single by Parker. Another base hit pushed across the sixth run of the inning, giving Platteville a commanding 6-3 advantage. Elmhurst made a pitching change, bringing in Maifield, who managed to get the final out and limit further damage.
Elmhurst responded with a run in the top of the fourth thanks to a sacrifice fly from Javier Cervantes, making it 6-4. However, Platteville added an insurance run in the fifth after back-to-back singles set up a run-scoring groundout, extending their lead to 7-4.
The middle innings saw both bullpens settle in, with Elmhurst's Gnade and Krueger keeping Platteville off the board in the sixth and seventh innings. Meanwhile, Bixby continued to work efficiently for Platteville, retiring Elmhurst hitters in order in the sixth and seventh innings.
In the top of the eighth, Elmhurst looked to mount a comeback. Bryant connected for his second home run of the day, a solo shot to deep left, trimming the deficit to 7-5. However, Platteville's bullpen tightened up, preventing any further damage.
Heading into the ninth, Elmhurst had one last chance to rally. A leadoff single provided some hope, but a double play quickly erased the threat. Platteville's closer Kephart then induced a weak groundout to seal the 7-5 victory.
UP NEXT
Elmhurst is back in West Lafayette this Sunday, March 2, taking on Wabash College. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. CT.
FOLLOW THE BLUEJAYS
Be sure to keep up with all Elmhurst University Athletics content by following the Bluejays on Twitter (@elmhurstbluejay), Facebook (Elmhurst University Athletics) and Instagram (@elmhurstbluejays), and tune in to elmhurstbluejays.com for the latest news and information.
