LA CROSSE (April 30, 2025) – The UW-Stout Blue Devils (12-20, 3-7) split a doubleheader against the UW-La Crosse Eagles (21-17, 6-6) on Wednesday ending a seven-game losing streak to the Eagles with a thrilling 2-1 victory in the opener before falling 2-1 in the nightcap.
Game 1: UW-Stout 2, UW-La Crosse 1
The Blue Devils edged out a tight contest in the first game, relying on stellar pitching and timely hitting to secure the win. Anna Blanford delivered a complete-game gem, allowing just two hits and one unearned run while striking out seven over 7.0 innings to earn the victory (11-11).
UW-Stout took the 2-1 lead in the second inning, Rayni Bresnahan lead off with a walk and moved to third on a single by Elly Holden who moved to second on an error. Liz Rohl drove both in with a single to right. Blanford then shut the door, retiring 15 of the final 17 batters she faced.
Game 2: UW-La Crosse 2, UW-Stout 1
The second game saw another pitcher's duel, but UW-La Crosse pulled ahead late to claim a 2-1 victory. Stout struck first in the opening inning when Stephanie Kuhn doubled to right-center, driving in Donna D'Addabbo, who had walked. The Blue Devils generated eight hits, including doubles from Kuhn, Rayni Bresnahan, and Elly Holden, but stranded nine runners.
UW-La Crosse remained scoreless until the sixth, when Brooke Howard singled and scored on a triple by Casey Casey, who later came home on a sacrifice fly by Kyra Lard to give the Eagles a 2-1 lead. Casey Follette (3-5) earned the win for UW-La Crosse, scattering eight hits and allowing one run over 7.0 innings with seven strikeouts.
Blanford (11-12) took the loss for Stout, allowing two runs on seven hits with five strikeouts over 6.0 innings. Emma Muehlenbeck had two hits for the Blue Devils, while D'Addabbo reached base three times via two walks and a hit-by-pitch.
Up Next
The Blue Devils return to action on May 3 when they host UW-Stevens Point at Alumni Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
