Game of the Week: Carroll University Pioneers vs. Oshkosh Titans

Preview:

Our third Game of the Week featured yet another intra-Wisconsin battle. This time the Carroll University Pioneers faced off with the UW-Oshkosh Titans. Like I said last time, "When the private schools get a chance to do battle with one of the UW schools it is always a big deal, with a little extra pride on the line."

Sam Mulkey was on the hill for Carroll, while Sean Grabig toed the rubber for Oshkosh.

Result:

Looking at the stats and numbers coming into the game would lead you to believe that Oshkosh would win this game running away.

Carroll has struggled mightily on the season, going winless in five games and honestly never really even being in a game. Oshkosh, on the other hand, has recovered strongly from an opening day loss to Carthage beating the College of Wooster four consecutive times.

Although Oshkosh did win the game, it took a late rally to do so as the Carroll Pioneers came out to play.

The Pioneers out hit the Titans 14-9 in the game and struck for the first runs, holding a 2-0 leading after 2 1/2. After Oshkosh scored two in both the third and fourth innings, the Pioneers responded with a three spot to hold a 5-4 lead in the fifth.

That lead would last all the way until the seventh when Oshkosh tied it with a single run. In the bottom of the eighth, the Titans broke the game open with a four spot to put the score at 9-5 where the game would end.

Mulkey ended up pitching all eight innings for Carroll allowing seven earned runs and striking out two. Grabig's day was no better for Oshkosh as he lasted just 4.1 innings giving up five earned on ten hits. Troy Mrkvicka was strong in relief finishing the final 4.2 innings to pick up the win while not allowing a run on only four hits. 

For Carroll, Jordan Stephans and Drew Volkman led the upset attempt with three hits and an RBI each. Dan O'Brien brought in two RBI. 

Oshkosh was led by Kyle Van Abel who had four hits including two doubles. He also drove in four runs. Nolan Fadness was not far behind with two hits and three RBI. 

Oshkosh has never lost to Carroll University as they are now 5-0 in the All-Time Series.

FINAL: Oshkosh 9 Carrol 5

Game MVP: Kyle Van Abel - 3B - Oshkosh Titans: 4-5, Four RBI, Two Doubles

Records: Carroll: 0-6 Oshkosh: 5-1 since moved to 6-1