SPASH clinches conference title with 12-5 win over Wisconsin Rapids

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — SPASH wrapped up the Wisconsin Valley Conference baseball championship Thursday with a 12-5 victory over Wisconsin Rapids at Bukolt Park.

The Panthers scored in six of their seven at-bats and finished with 10 hits while committing no errors. Wisconsin Rapids collected six hits and committed two errors.

SPASH took an early lead with single runs in the first and second innings before extending its advantage with two runs in the third and three more in the fourth. The Panthers added four runs in the fifth and another in the sixth to put the game out of reach.

Wisconsin Rapids scored one run in the third, two in the fourth, one in the fifth and one in the seventh.

Joe Schiszik earned the win for SPASH, improving to 6-1 on the season. He pitched five innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out two and walking three.

Royce Lown worked the final two innings, giving up one hit and one run while striking out one and issuing no walks.

Jonathan Trelka led the Panthers at the plate, going 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Calvin Roth added two hits, finishing 2-for-2, while Kasen Saeger contributed a double.

With the victory, SPASH improved to 22-3 overall and 14-1 in the Wisconsin Valley Conference, securing the conference championship.

The Panthers return to action Friday when they host Onalaska at 5 p.m. at Bukolt Park. SPASH will then open WIAA regional tournament play against Wausau East at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Bukolt Park.