A big home run was the difference in each game as UW-Oshkosh split a softball doubleheader at UW-Eau Claire on Saturday (April 26).

The Titans (21-9/9-3 WIAC) used a two-run homer by Hayden Krueger to notch a 7-5 victory in game one. Kenzie Winning then provided the difference with her three-run shot in the 6-1 nightcap decision.

Haley Bayreuther, who leads the league in walks and on-base percentage, drew a leadoff walk in the opener. She scored on Katie Koepsel's two-run blast to left field. It was the seventh homer of the season for Koepsel. UW-Oshkosh extended its lead to 4-0 with singles by Kassie Krueger and Emily Mallek.

The Blugolds (24-14/9-5 WIAC) chipped away with single runs in the second and third frames. During the fourth, Winning, Amanda Houle and Amanda Fischer each booked an RBI to take the 5-4 lead.

Katie Parsons singed to begin the sixth inning. Two batters later, Hayden Krueger connected for a two-run dinger over the wall in left-center. The Titans tallied another run in the seventh when Lindsey Luedke scored on a wild pitch.

The win went to Jill Vondrak, who allowed four earned runs with five strikeouts in the complete game. After Lauren Blasczyk surrendered four runs in the first inning, Emma Wishau took the loss with two ER in 5.2 frames.

UW-Oshkosh struck first again in the second contest, with Tess Fadness plating Bayreuther on a double.

Deanna Gilane and Leah Wolff got on base with singles during the second inning. Then with two outs, Winning delivered her round-tripper to take a 3-1 lead.

Taylor Pierce ripped a two-run single in the sixth frame to conclude the scoring.

Laura Raflik (win) limited the Titans to one run over 5.2 innings, while Zana Lorbetske (save) struck out three of the four batters she faced.

The defeat fell on Sara Brunlieb after she allowed six runs over 5.2 frames.

Pierce totaled a game-high three hits, while Bayreuther marked two for UW-Oshkosh.

The Titans return home to face UW-Superior on Sunday (April 27) at YP.com Park.

By Jon Feyen