After a highly successful season last year, the Madison College baseball team aims to build on their achievements while integrating a wave of new freshmen. With seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the team is focused on maintaining their competitive edge and continuing their winning tradition.
Madison College kicked off its season with an impressive 11-3 victory over the Des Moines Area Community College Bears on March 9. Shortly after the season opener, they traveled to Arizona for a week of spring training, competing in 11 games and finishing with a 6-5 record before returning to Madison.
Since their return, the WolfPack has won nine of its last 10 games, including its last six games. The team now stands at 16-6 overall and was ranked 13th in the NJCAA Division II poll on March 31.
They have often dominated offensively, scoring over 10 runs in nine of their victories. Their lineup has consistently delivered at the plate, with key hitters stepping up and driving in runs. This offensive surge, combined with aggressive play, has made them a tough opponent for teams they face.
With their high ranking and early-season momentum, the team now has its sights set on making a deep run this year. As conference play continues, the team is focused on continuing to compete at a high level. If they maintain this pace, the men’s baseball team is poised for another standout season.
The team is determined to follow the path of success they paved last season, where they finished with an impressive 39-14 record and a trip to the NJCAA Division II Baseball World Series.
Most recently, the team swept a doubleheader against visiting College of Lake County on April 6. Madison College won the first game 6-0 and took the second game 5-2.
Landon Dessart and Sam Moses combined for a five-hit shutout in the first game. Dessart earned the win pitching the first 5-2/3 innings, striking out seven and allowing four hits. Moses pitched the final 1-1/3 innings, allowing just one hit.
Jalen Gellings and Chris Calico led the team with two hits in the game, while Marcelino Edison Alonso added a double and scored twice.
In the second game, Madison College took a 5-0 lead before Lake County scored twice in the top of the sixth inning. Catcher Nate Novinska had a big game for the WolfPack with a home run, a double and three runs batted in.
Ben Kasten pitched the win, allowing two runs and four hits while striking out eight in six innings.
Nick West pitched the final inning for a save, allowing one hit.
On April 5, Madison College swept a doubleheader from Kankakee Community College.
In the first game, Madison College pitcher Quinn Falish held Kankakee to one hit in five innings as he earned his third win of the season in a 5-1 victory on April 5. Sam Steuber pitched the final two innings to earn the save, allowing one run on one hit.
Alonso led the WolfPack with three hits, scoring twice and driving in a run. Alonso and Ryan Santi both hit doubles in the victory.
The second game of the doubleheader saw Madison College build a lead throughout the game, then hold on for a 5-4 win.
Kankakee scored four times in the bottom of the seventh inning but grounded out with the bases loaded to end the game.
Noah Marschke pitched the win, allowing three runs on one hit and three walks in 6-1/3 innings. He struck out eight batters. Broden Jackson got the save after allowing one run on two hits.
Beau Bloxdorf and James Duncan both had two hits to lead the WolfPack. Duncan and Alonso both hit doubles in the game.