Saturday’s first game, a 7-3 win for the Pioneers, was dominated by junior pitcher Shane Murphy.  The hard-throwing righty pitched eight innings while striking out four.

After a shaky start to the game in which he gave up three runs in the first three innings, he pitched five scoreless frames.  The Pioneers’ bats gave Murphy the support he needed, especially in the sixth inning, where they scored three runs and sealed the win.

Designated hitter George Jester III continued his standout freshman season, going 4-5 at the plate including a two-run home run in the third inning which tied the game.

While Murphy’s pitching dominated the first game, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s Kevin Johnson silenced the Pioneers’ bats, pitching a complete game shutout as the Pioneers fell 2-0.  Despite a 3-4 performance out of their leadoff hitter, freshman second basemen Casey Schroeder, the Pioneers were unable to push anyone across home.

Sophomore pitcher Mike Boushley also pitched a complete game for the Pioneers but allowed a second-inning home run and an unearned run in the third, resulting in his third loss of the season.

Sunday ended poorly for the Pioneers as well. The Eagles’ pitching continued to stymie the Pioneer offense, resulting in a 16-2 blowout in game one and a 9-5 loss in game two.

The Pioneers played Wednesday night in a make-up game against Loras College and will play their final ten games on the road.