PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville baseball team (9-2) extended its win streak for four with a 14-1 win over Loras (7-9) in the team's home opener on Tuesday evening from Kendall Murray Field.

A two-run double by senior Mason Molitor in the bottom of the first inning got the Pioneers out to an early lead before a five-run second inning put the home team in control. UW-Platteville loaded the bases with three walks to begin the second inning and sophomore Anthony Massa brought in the first two runs with a single through the left side.

Freshman Kaleb Elwood and Massa moved up to second and third with a double steal and junior Connor Gresens knocked them both in with a double to left center. Gresens then scored the final run of the inning after a fielding error allowed him to cross the plate.

Massa added to the lead in the third with an RBI groundout making it 8-0 in favor of the Pioneers. The score remained that way until the seventh when Loras got on the board via a bases loaded walk. Massa drove in two more in the bottom half of the frame making it 10-1 heading into the final two innings.

In the eighth, Molitor and freshman Brayden Knoll both scored on wild pitches before sophomore Trinity Beland brought in a run with a sacrifice fly. The Pioneers final run of the game scored after Gresens was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

UW-Platteville totaled 14 hits, five walks, and five hit by pitches in the win. Elwood and Massa each finished with three hits, with Massa driving in a team-high five runs. Gresens knocked in three, while Beland reached base four times.

On the mound, graduate student Isaac Bixby made his season debut and threw five shutout innings while scattering three walks and striking out three to earn the win. Sophomores Logan Kottmeyer and Brayden Schimmel and freshman Carver Kamentz combined to throw the final four innings.

UW-Platteville's 9-2 record to begin the season is the program's best start in recent memory. The Pioneers now opener WIAC play this weekend at home against UW-Stout. The pair of doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday begin at noon each day.

*As with every UW-Platteville win this year, the Platteville A&W will be offering a free ice cream cone (with purchase) the day after the win and the Platteville Taco John's will be offering a free churro (with purchase) the day after each Pioneer win.