The #26 Webster University baseball team downed the #16 Washington University Bears, 5-3, on April 12 at GCS Ballpark.  In what was a see-saw battle early, a three-run fourth inning and stout relief pitching by Brandon Smith and Johnny Lord carried the Gorloks to their seventh straight win.

Washington University came into the game on a nine-game win streak that propelled them into the top twenty nationally in the ABCA/Collegiate Baseball poll this week, but Webster came out of the contest with its streak intact.

Wash U got on the board first with a run in the top of the second off Webster starter Matt Mulhearn (FR, Chicago Heights, IL/Marion Catholic).  Webster would tie it in their half.  Jake Milosch (SO, St. Charles, IL/St. Charles East) was hit by pitch and advanced to second on a passed ball.  Joe Swanson (FR, Park Ridge, IL/Maine West) singled, scoring Milosch to tie the game at 1-1.

The Bears reached Mulhearn for an unearned run in the third, as a run scored on a passed ball.  Brandon Smith (SR, Imperial, MO/Seckman) relieved Mulhearn with two out and, after hitting a batter, got the final out on a strikeout.  The Gorloks came right back again in their half.

Conner Wardlaw (JR, Arnold, MO/Seckman) doubled and Eric Outlaw (FR, Park Ridge, IL/Maine West) singled, with Wardlaw taking third.  Wardlaw scored on a wild pitch to make it a 2-2 game.  Smith gave up a run in the top of the fourth as once again Wash U took a one-run lead, 4-3.  This time the Gorloks answered with three runs to grab the lead themselves.

Nate Tholl (SO, Tinley Ridge, IL/John A Logan CC) led off with a single and Mike Wick (JR, Bartlett, IL/Bartlett) walked.  Wardlaw sacrificed the runners to second and third and Outlaw walked to load the bases.  Kyle Uhrich (SR, St. Louis, MO/Webster Groves) followed with a double, scoring Tholl and Wardlaw and sending Outlaw to third.  Outlaw scored on a wild pitch and Webster led, 5-3. 

Smith went 3 2/3 innings, giving up a hit, walk, and one run, while striking out six.  Smith picked up the win and is 3-0 on the season.  Johnny Lord (SR, Naperville, IL/Nequa Valley) took over with one down in the seventh for Smith.  Lord went the final 2 2/3 innings for the save, giving up one hit and a walk, while striking out four. 

Outlaw was 2-3 with a walk, stolen base, and run scored.  Uhrich was 1-2 with two RBIs and reached base twice on hit by pitch, and Wollnik was 2-3.

Webster is 7-0 in the SLIAC and 17-7 overall, riding the seven-game win streak.  Washington U falls to 16-6 with the loss.

The Gorloks travel to Louisville, KY, on April 15 for a double header vs. Spalding University.  The Golden Eagles are 9-2 in the SLIAC and 19-8 overall.