Blugolds Baseball Ends 22-Game Skid Against UW-Stevens Point

UW-Eau Claire baseball team snaps over three-decade losing streak against conference rival

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:10am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of blue, green, and gold, conceptually representing the intensity and drama of a college baseball game.A cubist interpretation of the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds' hard-fought victory over their conference rival UW-Stevens Point, capturing the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the game.Eau Claire Today

The UW-Eau Claire baseball team ended its 22-game losing streak against UW-Stevens Point with a 4-3 victory in the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Sophomore pitcher Tyler Webb delivered a strong six-inning performance, and freshman catcher John Digregorio hit a crucial solo home run to lead the Blugolds to the win.

Why it matters

The victory is a significant milestone for the UW-Eau Claire baseball program, which had struggled mightily against its conference rival UW-Stevens Point for over three decades. The win not only snaps the long losing streak, but also boosts the Blugolds' confidence and standing in the highly competitive WIAC conference.

The details

In the first game, UW-Stevens Point defeated UW-Eau Claire 6-3. But in the second game, the Blugolds turned the tables. Sophomore pitcher Tyler Webb pitched six strong innings, holding the Pointers to just three hits and one run. Freshman catcher John Digregorio provided the offensive spark with a solo home run in the sixth inning to give the Blugolds a 2-1 lead. Kellen Smith and Cole Clausen each scored in the seventh inning to extend the lead to 4-1. The Pointers scored two runs in the eighth, but UW-Eau Claire closer Ben Dorantes shut the door in the ninth to preserve the 4-3 victory.

  • The Blugolds' last win against UW-Stevens Point was on April 7, 1995, extending the losing streak to 22 games.
  • The doubleheader took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Tyler Webb

Sophomore pitcher for the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds who delivered a strong six-inning performance, holding UW-Stevens Point to just three hits and one run.

John Digregorio

Freshman catcher for the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds who hit a crucial solo home run in the sixth inning to give the Blugolds a 2-1 lead.

Kellen Smith

Blugolds player who scored a run in the seventh inning to extend the lead to 4-1.

Cole Clausen

Blugolds player who also scored a run in the seventh inning to extend the lead to 4-1.

Ben Dorantes

Blugolds closer who shut the door in the ninth inning to preserve the 4-3 victory.

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What they’re saying

“Tyler did a fantastic job. He threw a ton of strikes. Gave up the solo shot early, but, clearly you can tell he's a competitive kid. He came back and bounced back really well.”

— Patrick Reilly, Blugolds coach

“He is a traditional catcher that can hit. There's a reason why he's in the line up cause he can hit the ball a long way. I don't know if I've seen a home run like that before. That was pretty impressive.”

— Patrick Reilly, Blugolds coach

“It's huge for the program. I love how we've been playing. We feel great as a team, and we're really excited to get back after it.”

— John Digregorio, Freshman catcher

“We knew that the record didn't show how good they really were. We knew we had to come prepared. I'm thankful we were able to come away with the win.”

— Tyler Webb, Sophomore pitcher

What’s next

The Blugolds will look to build on this momentum as they continue their WIAC conference schedule. Their next game is against UW-Whitewater on April 12th.

The takeaway

This victory represents a significant milestone for the UW-Eau Claire baseball program, ending a 22-game losing streak against their conference rival UW-Stevens Point. The Blugolds' ability to bounce back from a tough first game and secure the win in the second game showcases their resilience and competitive spirit, which should serve them well as they push for a strong finish to the season.