WAUKESHA, Wis. – A five-run third inning proved to be the difference as UW–Stevens Point pulled away for a 9–1 victory over Carroll Saturday afternoon at Frame Park.

Carroll struck first in the opening inning when Joey Appino led off the bottom of the first with a solo home run to right field, giving the Pioneers an early 1–0 advantage. UW–Stevens Point answered in the third, capitalizing on timely hitting and patient at-bats to take control of the game.

The Pointers plated five runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run home run from Tyler Soule and an RBI single from Cooper Brown. UW–Stevens Point continued to apply pressure in the fourth, adding two more runs on a two-run homer by Brown to extend the lead to 7–1.

Carroll was limited offensively the rest of the way, finishing with six hits on the afternoon. Brody Ferko went 2-for-3 to lead the Pioneers at the plate, while Evan Becker added a triple. Carroll had opportunities to rally but left six runners on base.

On the mound, Braden Lewis took the loss for Carroll, allowing five runs over 2.2 innings. The Pioneers' bullpen provided steady relief, with Ben Olsen and Noah Meyer combining to allow just two hits over 2.2 scoreless innings.

UW–Stevens Point added insurance runs in the eighth and ninth innings to put the game away. Kaeden Wagenaar earned the win in relief, striking out four over three scoreless innings.

Carroll fell to 6–3 on the season with the loss, while UW–Stevens Point improved to 2–2.The Pioneers next chance will come in Florida, as they travel to play in the Studer's Blue Wahoo Challenge with their first matchup coming March 10th against Grinnell.