Chris McDonough Pitcher Wheaton College

Blake Rice Pitcher N.C. Wesleyan College

Ted Williams Catcher N.C. Wesleyan College

Jake Yagjian Second Base Wheaton College

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Wheaton College's (Mass.) 2-0 victory over North Carolina Wesleyan College (31-18) in the second game of the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship at Fox Cities Stadium was another brick in the wall for Lyons' head coach Eric Podbelski.

Podbelski, who built the Wheaton College program from the ground up and has served as the team's only head coach since beginning varsity play in 1998, reflected on his near decade-long project saying, "There have been shaky moments, but we built this program by getting the right kinds of kids."

Wheaton College pitcher Chris McDonough, who cited Podbelski's team's mentality in making his college choice, proved to be the right kind of kid on the mound for the Lyons Friday. The crafty sophomore lefty threw eight innings of scoreless ball, allowing six hits and striking out five while walking two.

"My changeup was consistent today and I was able to spot it to keep their hitters off balance," said McDonough.

North Carolina Wesleyan College head coach Charlie Long agreed, "There was outstanding pitching on both sides today. We pressed at the plate, but we have to tip our hats to their pitcher, he did a good job of getting us out front on pitches."

McDonough had all the run support he would need before ever taking the mound after Rafael Castillo led off the game with a single and advanced to third on an errant pickoff attempt. Jake Yagjian followed with an RBI single to give the Lyons a 1-0 lead. Yagjian finished the game 4-for-5 at the plate and also drove in Wheaton College's second run with an RBI single in the fifth inning.

North Carolina Wesleyan College starter Blake Rice settled in after falling behind in the first inning and went the distance for the Battling Bishops. Rice allowed nine hits, one earned run, one walk and struck out seven in the game.

"This was a classic game for anyone who likes baseball," said Podbelski. "Both teams had their aces going and this was the kind of contest we expected and the kind of contest we feel confident that we can win."

McDonough single-handily defused the Battling Bishops best threat of the game, as North Carolina Wesleyan College's Matt Smith followed Rob Johnson's one-out walk with a single in the eighth inning. McDonough got out of the jam by picking off Johnson at second base before fielding Ryan Snyder's grounder for the routine out to end the inning. Ted Williams had three hits to pace North Carolina Wesleyan College at the plate.

Jamie Baker came on to pitch the ninth for Wheaton College (39-8), earning his 10th save of the season.

Wheaton College moves on to face Chapman University (Calif.) at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, while North Carolina Wesleyan College battles Eastern Connecticut State University, who fell to Chapman, 6-3, in an elimination contest at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Long closed by saying, "The nerves should be gone and with our backs against I would like to think our guys will come out fighting…we're not ready to fly home just yet.

By Matt Troha
Midwest Conference Sports Information Director

Photography by Lehigh Photo