Wenker Tosses Gem But Warriors Fall In Extra Innings

5/18/2012 4:12:00 PM

Box Score

MANKATO, Minn. – Regis scored twice in the top of the 11th inning, spoiling a masterful outing by WSU starting pitcher John Wenker. The Rangers tied the game at two in the top of the ninth and were able to claim a 4-2 victory in the NCAA Regional Tournament Friday in Mankato.

Wenker was on the mound for 10 1/3 of the 11 innings, giving up 11 hits and four runs while striking out four. The senior faced an astounding 46 batters during the game. Regis starting pitcher Mike McElreath worked all 11 innings for the Rangers, with both hurlers shutting down their opponent’s offense for much of the game.

Winona State ends the season with a 29-22 overall record. This was the third consecutive season the team has advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

The Warriors scored the game’s first run in the bottom of the first, with Kyle Sill drawing a walk and eventually scoring on a RBI ground out by Adam Gemuenden. Regis tied the game at one in the fourth inning as they put together three singles to get a run on the board.

Things remained tied at one until the bottom of the eighth when Sill doubled and Gemuenden sent him home with a double of his own to put the Warriors up 2-1. The lead was short-lived, as Regis scored in the top of the ninth to force extra innings.

After a scoreless tenth, Regis put two runners on against Wenker, forcing the senior to give way to Aaron Hoverson. A single and sacrifice fly allowed the Rangers to plate two runs and come away with the 4-2 victory.

Gemuenden had both RBI on the day for WSU while the team was held to just five hits.