V-Hawks win final home game in walk-off fashion over Iowa Wesleyan

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Baseball team recorded the final out of their home schedule this afternoon. The V-Hawks defeated the Iowa Wesleyan University Tigers 2-1 with a walk-off grounder to first base. 

In the bottom of the first inning, Zach Braun led off the game for the V-Hawks with a double to left center field. Kendal Hofer stepped up to the plate right after and delivered an RBI single, scoring Braun. The Tigers answered in the top of the third with a double and an RBI single of their own to tie the game at one. The V-Hawks did not record another hit until the bottom of the ninth inning. 

Heading into their final at bat, Alec Danen led off the bottom of the ninth with a walk. After advancing to second on a passed ball, Collin Hucke was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second with no outs. Cody Wells grounded into a fielder's choice that left runners on first and second with one out. Remy Stern stepped up to the plate and hit a booming shot to left field that fell just in front of the fence. Hucke had to freeze on second on the fly ball, so the bases were loaded for the leadoff man, Braun. Braun hit a grounder to first base, and instead of getting the force out at home, the Tiger's first baseman attempted the double play and tagged Braun out before throwing to second. The throw was late, and the run scored for the V-Hawks, ending the game.

The V-Hawks will be on the road tomorrow and Friday for their final regular-season series of the year. The team will travel to Forrest City, Iowa to face Waldorf University in a four-game series. First pitch on Thursday is scheduled for 3:00 PM with game two to follow. Follow the action on our website or by following us on social media.