OSHKOSH, Wis. — UW-Stout went toe-to-toe with No. 16 UW-Oshkosh on Saturday, dropping a pair of tightly contested, low-scoring games that showcased strong pitching and highlight-reel defense throughout the doubleheader.
In the opener, the Blue Devils fell just short in a 2-1 decision. Oshkosh scratched across single runs in the second and fourth innings, while Stout answered in the third when Stephanie Kuhn delivered an RBI double to score Payton Dolecki.
Stout managed five hits in the game, with Kuhn, Sarah Wilkins, Abbey Dusterhoft, Liz Rohl, and Adi Singer each recording one. In the circle, Jennalyn Mallmann turned in a strong complete-game effort, allowing just two runs on seven hits to keep the Blue Devils within striking distance throughout.
Game two turned into an instant classic, as the teams combined for 12 scoreless innings before Oshkosh finally broke through in the 13th for a 1-0 win.
Defense took center stage for the Blue Devils. Behind the plate, Stout's catcher cut down a Titan attempting to steal to end the fifth inning, halting a potential Oshkosh threat. Later, in the bottom of the 12th, Payton Dolecki came up with one of the biggest plays of the day, firing a throw from center field to throw out the potential game-winning run at the plate and extend the game.
Stout also had a prime opportunity in the 10th inning when Donna D'Addabbo singled to center, and pinch runner Mattie Schilling was waved home from second. Oshkosh answered with a clutch defensive play of its own, throwing Schilling out at the plate to keep the game scoreless.
In the circle, Sarah Wilkins was dominant, tossing 12 shutout innings while allowing just seven hits and striking out 10 in a remarkable outing. She carried a scoreless game into the 13th before Oshkosh finally pushed across the lone run.
The Blue Devils tallied seven hits in the nightcap, with Elly Holden leading the way with two, while Kuhn, D'Addabbo, Olivia Ott, Singer, and Liz Rohl each added one.
The Blue Devils will be right back in action as they return home to host UW-Platteville in a doubleheader beginning at noon on Sunday.
