MADISON, WISC. - Riding a season-high eight-game win streak and receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division II Poll, the Madison College baseball team was unable to hold its own Saturday against Kankakee Community College, a team situated at #12 in the very same rankings. The Cavaliers picked up wins of 8-0 and 3-1 over the WolfPack, who were swept in a doubleheader for the third time this season.

Game #1: #12 Kankakee Community College 8, Madison College 0

Against Madison College starter Hank Schau, the Cavaliers were able to score two runs in the opening inning. A hit by pitch and a double combined to score the first run, and a single two batters later made it 2-0. In the third it was a walk and a two-out double that made it 3-0, though Madison College saved a run by throwing out a runner at the plate.

Schau ran into more two-out trouble in the fourth. After retiring the first two batters, the sophomore from Park Ridge, Illinois, surrendered a double and a single to push the deficit to 4-0. Another single on a bunt back to the pitcher put two runners on and meant the end of the day for Schau. First year hurler Connor Fedders entered, but struggled to get outs as well, eventually throwing a wild pitch to allow the fifth run of the game to cross home.

Fedders was unable to gain control of his command, and was pulled after a walk, hit by pitch, and a single to left made it 6-0. Another run scored on a sacrifice fly by the first batter faced by Jon-Anthony Caban. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native gave up the final run in the sixth on a walk and a triple.

Meanwhile, the Madison College bats mustered just four hits against Kankakee pitching, one each from Bryce Plate, Tanner Umentum, Caleb Hurt, and Chris Lund.

Schau (5-1) took his first loss of the season after starting 5-0. He allowed five runs on eight hits with five K's in 3 2/3 innings. Fedders and Caban combined for three runs, two hits, three walks, and a strikeout in the final three-plus.

Game #2: #12 Kankakee Community College 3, Madison College 1

The finale saw a more competitive game between the two of the top teams in Region IV. Both were able to scratch across runs in the second inning. Kankakee (34-8) used a walk, a wild pitch, and a ground out against starter Riley Pelischek to grab the game's first lead before the WolfPack responded with a Chris Lund double and Sage Bruhl single to tie it at one.

Still even in the fourth, Pelischek walked the inning's second batter, who then stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a passed ball. The Cavaliers added another run in the fifth when catcher Nick Blomgren threw the ball into centerfield trying to catch a runner stealing and allowing him to take third base. Unfortunately, Bryce Plate misplayed the ball in center, and the runner was able to continue running and scored. 

Madison College outhit KCC by a 7-3 margin, led by two-hit days for Drew Steinmetz and Bruhl.

Pelischek (2-3) went 3 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on two hits, ending a string of four straight outings without a loss. The University of North Dakota transfer struck out three batters, but issued a season-worst seven walks. Branden Frank gave up an unearned run and one hit in his two-plus innings of work while striking out four opposing hitters. Riley Pawelski threw the final inning.

Up next:

Madison College (25-12) was scheduled to host the College of Lake County in a Region IV doubleheader on Sunday, however, those games were cancelled. The WolfPack continues an extended home stretch with two games Tuesday against Moraine Valley Community College (14-19). The Region IV foes have met just once before, with the 'Pack taking a 4-1 win in Madison during the 2010 season. Game one has a first pitch of 4:00 p.m., followed by an expected start time of 7:00 p.m. for the nightcap.

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