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Vincennes University

Fast Start Not Enough as Trailblazers Drop MWAC Series to ICC

Fast Start Not Enough as Trailblazers Drop MWAC Series to ICC
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March 22, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. — Vincennes University Baseball dropped three of four games in a Midwest Athletic Conference series against Illinois Central College on March 21–22 at Jerry Blemker Field. The Trailblazers earned a win in the opener before falling in the final three contests, moving to 11-18 overall and 5-7 in Region 24/MWAC play.

Head Coach Chris Barney, in his 18th season leading the Trailblazers, noted, "The team showed flashes offensively throughout the weekend but we need greater consistency across all phases moving forward."

Game One — Vincennes 14, Illinois Central 13

VU opened the series with an offensive surge, outlasting Illinois Central 14–13 in a back-and-forth contest. The Trailblazers built an early 4–1 lead before Illinois Central responded and surged ahead 13–9 with big innings in the fifth and sixth. VU answered immediately, chipping away with runs in the sixth and seventh before completing the comeback with a two-run eighth inning to reclaim the lead and secure the win, blanking the visiting Cougars over the final three innings.

Freshman Matthew Everroad led the way with a dominant performance, going 4-for-4 with two home runs, a double, and five RBIs. Freshman Ethan Papalios added two hits and two RBIs, while freshman Lucas Frack reached base four times, scoring three runs and driving in two. Sophomore Evan Doran collected three hits and scored three runs, while freshman Grady Hartman added an RBI. Freshman Jaret Phillips also drove in a run as the Trailblazers totaled 14 hits and drew seven walks.

"I was really proud of the way our hitters competed, putting up runs in six different innings," Barney said. "Joey (Matthew Everroad) had an outstanding game at the plate, and Tyler gave us a big lift out of the bullpen."

On the mound, freshman Tyler Singleton (1-0) earned the win with three shutout innings of relief, allowing just two hits while striking out four. Freshman Elijah Papalios secured the save with 0.2 innings of scoreless work, while sophomore Eastin Whaley struck out six over 4.1 innings in the start.

Game Two — Illinois Central 15, Vincennes 4

Illinois Central responded in the nightcap Friday, using a decisive late inning to pull away for a 15–4 victory. VU controlled much of the early portion of the game, building a 4–3 lead through five innings before Illinois Central broke the game open with a seven-run sixth inning to seize momentum.

Freshman Grady Hartman led the Trailblazers with two RBIs, while sophomore Carter Gricius and freshman Palmer Schiff each drove in a run. Freshman Carson Reed recorded two hits, and freshman Matthew Everroad reached base four times with three walks and a run scored.

Sophomore Jacob Allen (5-3) took the loss after allowing nine runs over 5.2 innings. Freshman Kaagen Kendall and freshman Aiden Leonard each saw time in relief as Illinois Central broke the game open with 13 runs over the final three innings.

"Jacob threw the ball well early, but we needed to get him out a little sooner," Barney said. "We're still working to find consistency in the bullpen."

Game Three — Illinois Central 20, Vincennes 8

VU jumped out to a strong start in Saturday's opener, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second to take an early lead before Illinois Central rallied with 11 runs in the fourth for a 20–8 win.

Freshman Carson Reed delivered a big offensive performance, going 2-for-3 with a home run and five RBIs. Freshman Tannar Patterson added three hits and two doubles, while freshman Matthew Everroad recorded two hits and two RBIs. Freshman Palmer Schiff added an RBI, and sophomore Carter Gricius and freshman Lucas Frack each contributed hits as the Trailblazers finished with 10 hits.

On the mound, freshman Talan Meyers started before freshman Hayden May (0-1) was charged with the loss. Freshman Carter Williams, freshman Jacob Tenbarge, and freshman Jackson Bauer also appeared in relief as Illinois Central capitalized on 14 walks issued by the Trailblazers.

"We have to clean things up defensively and get more from our pitching staff," Barney added. "Walking that many hitters makes it tough to put yourself in a position to win."

Game Four — Illinois Central 18, Vincennes 8

Illinois Central completed the series win with an 18–8 victory in the finale. VU showed early fight, scoring four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to cut the deficit to 5–4 and swing momentum briefly in its favor. Illinois Central responded quickly, however, and pulled away with a strong finish, including key four-run spurts across the seventh and eighth innings to create separation.

Freshman Carson Reed led the Trailblazers with four hits, while freshman Ryan Crawford added a hit and RBI. Freshman Matthew Everroad and freshman Tommy Holman each recorded two hits and drove in a run, and sophomore Evan Doran added two hits and an RBI. Freshman Tannar Patterson contributed a two-RBI double, while freshman Lucas Frack reached base four times with three walks and a hit.

Redshirt sophomore Alex Wandersee (0-3) took the loss, while sophomore Grayson Reichert, freshman Palmer Schiff, freshman Drake Hoffa, and sophomore Ben Goodaker all saw time on the mound as Illinois Central produced 20 hits in the contest.

"We had some really strong offensive performances this weekend, but we have to be better in all facets," Barney said. "We didn't execute in key situations and that cost us."

Barney also emphasized the opportunity ahead as the season continues. "The good thing is we're only halfway through the season," Barney said. "We have time to make adjustments and continue improving."

VU will look to bounce back Wednesday, March 25, when the Trailblazers travel to face Olney Central College in a non-conference matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.

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