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Vincennes University

Trailblazers Open MWAC Play with Series Win at Lewis & Clark

Trailblazers Open MWAC Play with Series Win at Lewis & Clark
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March 8, 2026

GODFREY, Ill. — Vincennes University Baseball opened Midwest Athletic Conference play with a strong weekend showing, earning three wins in four games against Lewis & Clark Community College on March 7–8. The Trailblazers improved to 9-12 overall and 3-1 in Region 24/MWAC competition following the conference-opening series.

Head Coach Chris Barney, now in his 18th season at the helm, praised his team's response and competitiveness throughout the weekend. "To start conference play and come away 3–1 was a really good start for our club," Barney said. "We had strong performances on the mound throughout the weekend and several guys stepped up offensively in big moments. The way our players battled, especially getting two wins on Sunday on getaway day, says a lot about this group."

Game One — Lewis & Clark 13, Vincennes 8

VU appeared in control for much of the opener Saturday afternoon, building an early lead before Lewis & Clark rallied late to claim the 13–8 victory.

The Trailblazers jumped out quickly with three runs in the first inning and extended the advantage to 5–0 through five innings. Freshman catcher Ethan Papalios paced the offense with three hits, while sophomore third baseman Carter Gricius collected two hits and drove in two runs. Freshman designated hitter Lucas Frack also added two RBIs, and freshman shortstop Tannar Patterson delivered a home run as VU totaled 13 hits in the contest.

On the mound, sophomore Eastin Whaley kept Lewis & Clark off the scoreboard through the first five innings, striking out eight while limiting the home side to four hits during that stretch.

Lewis & Clark broke through in the sixth inning with four runs to cut the deficit to 5–4 before adding two more in the seventh to take their first lead of the game. The hosts then erupted for seven runs in the eighth inning to pull away despite a late push from the Trailblazers.

Freshman Braeden Burton (0-2) was charged with the loss after working the final two innings of relief.

Game Two — Vincennes 15, Lewis & Clark 3

VU responded in the nightcap with one of its most complete performances of the season, defeating Lewis & Clark 15–3 behind a balanced offensive attack and a quality outing from sophomore right-hander Jacob Allen (3-2).

"Jacob Allen really set the tone for us in the second game," Barney said. "He attacked the strike zone and gave us a quality start, and our lineup produced throughout the order. Carson Reed and Evan Doran gave us huge production from the bottom of the lineup which helped us build a big lead."

Freshman catcher Carson Reed delivered a standout performance with two hits and five RBIs, while sophomore outfielder Evan Doran added two hits and three RBIs. Sophomore center fielder Jevan Andrews recorded three hits and scored three runs, and freshman infielder Grady Hartman drove in a run as VU piled up 12 hits in the win.

Allen earned the victory after allowing three runs over six innings while striking out three.

Game Three — Vincennes 9, Lewis & Clark 2

The Trailblazers carried that momentum into Sunday's first game as freshman right-hander Talan Meyers (1-2) delivered one of his strongest performances of the season. Meyers struck out nine over six innings while allowing just two runs to lead VU to a 9–2 victory.

Four different Trailblazers recorded RBIs in the contest, including freshman third baseman Lucas Frack (2), freshman catcher Ethan Papalios (1), freshman catcher Carson Reed (1), sophomore outfielder Evan Doran (1), and freshman infielder Dillon Warnick (1). Frack also homered as part of a three-hit performance to help pace the offense.

"Meyers threw as well as he has all season," Barney said. "He attacked hitters, kept them off balance, and gave us a chance to control the game."

Game Four — Vincennes 6, Lewis & Clark 5

The series finale featured multiple lead changes before VU delivered a late two-run rally in the top of the ninth to secure the weekend series.

Freshman shortstop Tannar Patterson provided the biggest swing of the game with a two-run home run in the ninth inning to put the Trailblazers ahead for good. Patterson finished with three RBIs in the win. Freshman third baseman Lucas Frack also homered and drove in a run, while freshman outfielder Palmer Schiff added a double and RBI.

Sophomore Alex Wandersee delivered a critical relief performance, tossing 5.1 innings with six strikeouts to keep the Trailblazers within striking distance before freshman Elijah Papalios (2-0) closed the final 1.1 innings to earn the win.

"Alex Wandersee set the tone for us out of the bullpen and kept us right there," Barney said. "Our guys kept battling and found a way to come through late. That type of resilience is what helped us take three games this weekend."

VU will return to action Wednesday, March 11, traveling to face Lincoln Trail College in a single non-conference/Region 24 matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST. The Trailblazers previously faced Lincoln Trail earlier this season, falling 9–5 and 17–0 in a February 28 doubleheader.

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