Gilbertson sets record; V-Hawks split double-header against Mayville State

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Baseball team hosted the Comets of Mayville State University on Friday afternoon. The V-Hawks split the double header, dropping game one before coming back in game two to get the win. In game one, senior Kyle Gilbertson moved to No. 1 in Viterbo school history in innings pitched. Gilbertson now holds Viterbo records in innings pitched, strikeouts, and games started.

Game one: Mayville State – 4, Viterbo – 2 

• The V-Hawks got the scoring started on the cold, windy day. In the bottom of the first inning, Kendal Hofer led off with a single and two batters later, Marcus Hornacek hit an RBI single to take the 1-0 lead.
• In the bottom of the fourth inning, with no one on base, Blake Warner stepped up to the plate and hit a laser over the left field fence to make it 2-0, V-Hawks.
• The Comets answered in the top of the fifth with a solo shot of their own to cut the lead in half.
• After a quick one, two, three inning, the Comets stepped up to the plate and hit another solo homer to tie the game at two in the sixth.
• In the top of the seventh, the Comets loaded the bases and cashed in on an RBI single with one out. The V-Hawks were forced to make a pitching change, and with the bases still loaded, Anthony Reza minimized the damage, allowing a sacrifice fly before getting the final out.
• The V-Hawks had a chance to win the game in the bottom of the ninth after a lead-off single by Cole Benson got the V-Hawks going. Two batters later, Blake Warner hit a ground-rule double, leaving runners at second and third with one out. Back-to-back strikeouts left the runners on the bags and secured the win for the Comets.
• Key players: Gilbertson – 6.1 IP, 4 ER, 8Ks; Warner – 3-4, home run, double, RBI, run; Benson – 2-4; Kendal Hofer – 2-4, run

Game two: Mayville State – 1, Viterbo – 3

• The game was a true pitching duel, with only eight total hits between both teams. 
• The Comets got on the board first in the top of the third inning after back-to-back walks and a single gave them a 1-0 lead.
• In the bottom of the fourth, back-to-back singles by Hornacek and Warner set the table for the V-Hawk designated hitter, Alec Danen. After seeing a couple of pitches, Danen unloaded on an off-speed pitch and hooked a three-run shot just inside the left field foul pole to give the V-Hawks the 3-1 lead.
• Brandon Jaenke pitched a solid couple more innings before Danen came in to lock down the game. After a lead-off sinlge in the top of the seventh, Danen retired the next three batters to get the save.
• Key players: Jaenke – 6IP, 1 ER, 8Ks; Danen – 2-3, 3 RBIs, run, home run 

The V-Hawks will return to the field tomorrow afternoon to finish out the four-game series with Mayville State. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM CDT. Follow the action on our website or by following us on social media.