Millikin University split its conference-opening doubleheader against Wheaton College on March 21, dropping the first game 9–1 before bouncing back to win the second game 13–9.
The games marked the start of conference play for both teams. Millikin’s strong performance in the second matchup helped them recover from an early setback and demonstrated their offensive capabilities.
In the opener, Wheaton took an early lead by scoring three runs in the first two innings. Millikin managed to get on the board in the third inning when Leyton Ivers doubled and later scored on a wild pitch. However, Wheaton extended its advantage with four runs across the sixth and seventh innings and added two more in the ninth. Caleb Akins started for Millikin, pitching five innings with eight strikeouts but allowing five runs on eight hits. Nolan Reiman provided relief for two innings, giving up four runs on five hits.
The second game saw Millikin come out strong, scoring four runs in the first inning. Carder Reich hit a two-RBI double to right center, followed by RBI singles from Sam Bushur and Easton Steck. The team continued to add runs throughout the game, including a key two-RBI double from Bushur in the sixth inning and a three-run triple by Ty Cribbett in the ninth that helped secure victory despite a late home run from Wheaton.
Cribbett led Millikin offensively by going 3-for-6 with a triple, two singles, and three RBIs. Matthew Brummer started on the mound for five innings with seven strikeouts before Gavin Houchins pitched three innings of relief without allowing any earned runs.
Millikin is set to continue its season against Illinois College tomorrow as it looks to build on its recent success.
