The Butler baseball team put an end to a three-game losing streak and swept the series against a non-conference opponent, Lawrence.
The Bulldogs (15-16, 4-5 HL) outscored the Vikings (2-21), 32-3, during the three-game weekend series and were victorious in all three contests.
“I expected us to have a very successful series against Lawrence,” head coach Steve Farley said. “Our starting pitchers gave us three good outings and overall we played good defense.”
The Vikings tallied their first runs of the series late in the second game of a doubleheader Saturday. It was not nearly enough, however, as Butler finished off Lawrence, 14-3, in seven innings.
A five-run first inning gave the Bulldogs all the runs they needed. Sophomore designated hitter Pat Gelwicks had a two-run triple in the frame and later scored on a wild pitch.
In the third inning, the Bulldogs managed to plate three more runs without recording a hit.
Butler scored seven more times during the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to lead 12-0 before Lawrence brought home its only three runs of the series in the sixth inning.
Ten different Bulldogs had a hit during the game.
Leading the way was Gelwicks, who went 1-for-2 with two RBIs and a walk. Junior shortstop Griffin Richeson and junior right fielder Mike Hoscheit both had a pair of RBIs as well.
“We have a lot of parts we can put in to produce,” Richeson said. “We have been changing lineups, but we have 12 or 13 guys who can come in and do a good job.”
Junior Mike Hernandez picked up his third victory of the season by pitching six innings for Butler. He allowed three runs, one earned, on seven hits.
The first game of the doubleheader was headlined by the pitching of senior Jared Wagoner, as the Bulldogs shut out the Vikings, 11-0, in seven innings.
With the win, Wagoner improved his record to 4-3 this season. He went six innings, giving up just three hits while striking out six and walking none.
“I thought I pitched pretty well,” Wagoner said. “I was really efficient and I made pitches when I needed to.”
Freshman third baseman Patrick Guinane and senior shortstop Luke Duncan had three RBIs apiece in the win. Senior first baseman Grant Fillipitch turned in a strong performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs.
“It was great that all of our position players got the opportunity to get in the games and help us score a bunch of runs,” Farley said.
The opening game of the series featured more solid pitching for Butler, this time from senior Dom Silvestri, as the Bulldogs toppled Lawrence, 7-0.
Silvestri had little trouble with the Vikings’ lineup.
He threw seven scoreless innings, giving up three hits and striking out eight.
Butler provided support for Silvestri by putting up crooked numbers in the third and fourth innings.
Guinane was the top producer for Butler, driving home three runs with a single and a triple. Fillipitch tallied three hits and an RBI in the contest.
Butler’s scheduled game against Ball State yesterday was canceled due to weather.
The Bulldogs look to repeat their weekend success against conference foe UIC at home Friday and Saturday.
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