Red Devils Rally in Ninth to Complete Sweep of Westminster

FULTON, Mo. – The Eureka baseball team delivered a statement sweep on the road Tuesday, overpowering Westminster with a historic blowout in Game 1 and a thrilling ninth-inning comeback in Game 2.

GAME 1 – Eureka 21, Westminster 2 (7 Innings)

The Red Devils erupted for 21 runs on 17 hits in their largest victory over Westminster in program history. The offense began early and never slowed down, as Conor Fitzpatrick (North Barrington, Ill./Barrington) doubled in the first to bring home Noah Company (Le Roy, Ill./Le Roy). Fitzpatrick finished with three RBIs and four runs scored.

Mike Dunne (Bartonville, Ill./Limestone) went 4-for-5 with three RBIs, including a two-run homer in the fourth inning. Ben Perrine (Payson, Ill./Payson Seymour) led the charge with three hits and a game-high seven RBIs, highlighted by a grand slam in the fifth.

Ethan McDonald (Mannford, Okla./Mannford) pitched a complete game, allowing just four hits and striking out seven over seven innings to earn the win.

GAME NOTES

• David Hidden (East Peoria, Ill./East Peoria) had an strong day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored, one run batted in, and two walks.
• Gabe Peters (Washington, Ill./Washington Community) was a key contributor, finishing 3-for-6 with two RBIs across the doubleheader.
• Nickolas Cartmill (Fort Worth, Texas/Burleson) reached base frequently, going 1-for-2 with two runs scored and drawing four walks.
• Brandt King (Rockford, Ill./Stillman Valley) added an RBI double and also drew a walk, contributing to Eureka's dominant offensive performance.

GAME 2 – Eureka 9, Westminster 8

Noah Company set the tone early in Game 2 with a solo home run—his first in a Red Devil uniform—then added a second home run in the third to tie the game 2-2.

The Red Devils took a brief lead in the fourth behind an RBI single from David Hidden and a sacrifice fly from Company. Westminster rallied to lead 5-4 through five, but Eureka's bullpen kept them scoreless until the ninth.

In the top of the ninth, Conor Fitzpatrick scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, and Hayden McKenna (Sheridan, Ill./Marquette Academy) delivered a two-run single. A clutch hit from Ace Padilla (Castle Rock, Colo./Grayslake North) and an RBI single from Gabe Peters helped cap a five-run inning. Westminster made it close in the bottom half but couldn't complete the comeback as Eureka held on to win 9-8 and complete the sweep.

GAME NOTES

• Noah Company showcased his power with two home runs, driving in three runs and scoring twice.
• Conor Fitzpatrick collected four hits and scored a run, extending his hit streak to 10 consecutive games.
• Hayden McKenna contributed two RBIs, scored once, drew a walk, and was also hit by a pitch.
• David Hidden stayed hot at the plate with two hits, two runs scored, an RBI, and a walk.

UP NEXT

Eureka will hit the road on Friday for a non-conference matchup against Rockford. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m., as the Red Devils look to build on their momentum.