As the postseason draws near, the 26-7 WolfPack baseball team have extended their win streak to 15 and remain best in the N4C conference standings, four wins ahead of the College of DuPage.

The streak was moved to nine wins after a close doubleheader against non-conference opponents Bryant & Stratton College. Freshman pitchers Jackson Brown and Taylor Jansen held the Bobcats scoreless in the first meeting, but the ‘Pack were also held to their lowest runs tally over the course of the win streak.

Just two runs separated the teams at the end of the game: a fourth inning triple from sophomore Nathan Aide and a single from freshman Henry Henk gave Madison College the first victory.

The second game was far more offensively oriented.  The Bobcats pushed the ‘Pack to an extra inning, but they ultimately were not able to keep up at the plate.  The game ended 7-6, during which four Madison College pitchers took the mound.

Andy Neu left the game in the second after picking up an injury, allowing three runs on one hit and two walks.  Freshman Carl Renz picked up the baton as well as seven strikeouts during his time on the bump, and fellow first year Connor Jasurda kept things within reach through two solid relief innings.  In the final inning, Elliot Turnquist picked up his third save on the year.

WolfPack offense finally got started with two runs in each of the fourth, fifth, and six innings.  Contributions from Walker Jenkins, Nick Gile, and Nathan Aide at the plate kept the win within reach, and a deep sacrifice fly from Elliot Turnquist brought in baserunner Carl Valk to seal the victory.

The win streak was extended further against the College of Lake County during which Madison College were held scoreless in all but the eighth inning.  They hung up six runs in the frame, however, which turned out to be just enough to put the game out of reach.

Singles from Lucas Trebian and Luke Malmanger got the inning started and forced a pitching change.  Derek Lee followed with a base hit of his own, and Adam LaRock brought home two on a ground ball up the middle.  Nathan Aide and Trebian drove in two more to bring the ‘Pack’s tally to six.

Good pitching held the Lancers to five runs in the game.  Brandon Komar threw seven innings and gave up only three runs in what usually would have been enough to secure the win, however Jarrett Scheelk’s relief pitching was deemed worthy for the ‘Pack.  Elliot Turnquist sealed the game, getting his fourth save on the season.

Moraine Valley Community College were the next team to fall prey to the WolfPack.  Starting pitchers Matt Hamilton and Taylor Jansen went the distance in both games, winning 6-2 and 6-1, respectively.

Hamilton’s record-tying 14th career victory was highlighted by 11 strikeouts over seven innings. Solid hitting in the fourth and fifth innings put the game out of reach for Madison College, with NJCAA DII Player of the Week Jarrett Scheelk putting the exclamation point on the game with a solo home run to left field.

The second game of the day was carried out in a manner similar to the first, this time with Taylor Jansen’s pitching leading the ‘Pack to victory.  Jansen struck out seven, allowing one earned run on four hits.

The ‘Pack got out in front with a three run second inning.  Freshman Pierson Gibis hit a double to bring in Henry Henk, followed closely by a similar double from Carson Holin.  Madison College picked up where they left off the very next inning, during which Nathan Aide scored baserunner Jarrett Scheelk.

The next doubleheader was away to the College of DuPage, who were the closest challengers for the top spot in the N4C.  Prominent WolfPack pitching was once again the theme, as Troy Hickey struck out 11 batters on his way to the 3-1 victory.  All three of the ‘Pack’s runs came in the third inning, with Adam LaRock and Nick Gile driving them home.  Elliot Turnquist once again closed for the save.

Patrick Foldy picked up the second win of the day against the Chaparrals, leading the team to a 6-3 victory.  A three run fifth inning from Madison College put the game out of reach, with Gile and Nathan Aide doubling to to bring in LaRock, Walker Jenkins, and Jarrett Scheelk.  Elliot Turnquist saved, striking out two of the three DuPage batsmen in the final frame.

The most recent team swept by the WolfPack was Harper College, during which Carl Renz and Andy Neu picked up wins.  Despite falling three runs behind in the first inning of the first game, Madison College were able to secure the victory in the fifth, eventually winning the game 11-5.  Nick Gile contributed greatly, coming across the plate as one of the first scores in the first inning and homering as the last.

The second game was a far more comfortable contest, as Madison College triggered the 10 run rule in the sixth inning.  Marquis Reuter was the RBI leader this time around, adding to the lead in the first, third, and sixth innings.  Pitcher Neu went the distance, striking out nine in six innings.

The 26-7 WolfPack will be hoping to continue their run of form on Thursday, April 25, at Robin Roberts Field where they play host to the Black Hawk College Braves.