Pewaukee Wins Regional in Dramatic Fashion
Pewaukee stormed back from a 2-1 deficit in the 6th inning to score 4 runs and win a regional championship on Marquette's home field.
Pewaukee received a solid outing on the mound from sophomore RHP Carl Renz and a spectacular final 4 innings from senior LHP Brandon Knoke to slam the door on the Hilltoppers' season. Renz battled through 3+ innings, allowing just 1 unearned run. He allowed 6 hits and walked 3. Knoke took over with two men on and no outs in the bottom of the 4th inning, and quickly escaped the jam without allowing a run. Knoke threw 4 innings and earned the win, striking out 3, walking 1, and allowing just 1 run.
The Pirates trailed 1-0 in the 3rd inning when senior DH Steve McGowan doubled down the left field line to score senior 3B Matt Clark all the way from first base.
Pewaukee again trailed 2-1 in the top of the 6th inning when they rallied for 4 runs to put the game away. With 1 out, junior CF Ryan Mulvey walked and sophomore 1B Patrick Tomfohrde was hit by a pitch. Marquette went to the bullpen, replacing senior RHP Jack Horter with junior RHP Jack Shemanski. Senior Matt Fritchen greeted Shemanski by scorching a ball to short that the Marquette SS was unable to handle to load the bases.
Junior 2B Drew Barth followed by executing a perfect suicide squeeze to tie the game. Marquette was unable to get an out on the play, and the Pirates still had the bases loaded with one out. Clark then laid down another squeeze, but Marquette was able to get a force out at home plate on the play. With 2 outs, Knoke laid off a close pitch on a full count to earn a walk and bring home the lead run. Barth scored 1 pitch later on a wild pitch to make the score 4-2. Senior C Zach Brennan walked to re-load the based. and McGowan smacked a hard one-hopper between first and second to score Clark for the game's final run.
Pewaukee moves on to the sectional tournament, where they will play #8 seed Mukwonago at 11:00 AM Monday at Breitlow Field in Wauwatosa. Mukwonago advanced with a 6-1 upset victory over #1 seed Waukesha West.
