Leathernecks Take 3-4 from 'Dons, Win 3-1 on Sunday afternoon

Sunday, May 8

Fort Wayne, Ind.

12:00 PM

Purdue Fort Wayne

Western Illinois

Kurt Dudley was 2-2 vs. WIU on Sunday

Leathernecks Take 3-4 from 'Dons, Win 3-1 on Sunday afternoon

5/8/2011 2:37:41 PM | Baseball

Box Score | Photo Gallery

Fort Wayne, IN - Western Illinois scored twice in the first inning before the rains came on Saturday and starter Ryan Wachholder made that lead hold up as the game resumed on Sunday, pitching the Leathernecks to a 3-1 win on Mother's Day at Mastodon Field.

Wachholder, who had been winless in 2011, gave up just one run (unearned) on six hits over seven innings. He struck out four and walked three to push WIU to 18-30 overall and 10-10 in league play, giving the 'Necks a solid hold on fourth place in The Summit League.

IPFW starter Samuel Walker got two early outs on Saturday and then the rain began to fall in the 1st inning. Walker would then issue free passes to catcher Dan Koszulinski and first baseman Tom Lilja. WIU shortstop Bryan Jordan delivered the big blow in the downpour, a two-run double to right center making it 2-0 Western after a half an inning.

IPFW got their leadoff man, Garrett Segraves aboard with a walk, but that is when the game was halted.

On Sunday, Wachholder (1-7) found his groove. He didn't allow a Mastodon run until the bottom of the 5th inning. IPFW shortstop Kristian Gayday led off the inning with a single and moved to second after second baseman Garrett Segraves walked.. WIU looked to get out of the inning as third baseman Will Faulkner appeared to have grounded into a 6-4-3 double play, but the throw to first was a bit wide, allowing Gayday to score.

Western got an insurance run in the top of the 7th inning on a one-out RBI double down the right field line by center fielder Anthony Kaskadden.

IPFW got the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the seventh, but Wachholder was able to close it out.

Jordan was 2-3 with a pair of RBI and a run scored for the Leathernecks.

Kurt Dudley was 2-2 for the Mastodons who slipped to 13-29 and 8-12 in league action.

IPFW will play its final home contest of the 2011 season on Tuesday afternoon (weather permitting), hosting the Butler Bulldogs at 3:00 p.m.

~Dons~