Lawrence University

Appleton, Wisconsin – Lawrence closed its season with a relentless comeback effort, scoring 10 runs over the final three innings, but ultimately fell just short in a 15-12 loss to Monmouth.

Monmouth built control early, plating runs in each of the first three innings to take a 6-2 lead and continuing to apply pressure with three more runs in the sixth and another three in the seventh. The surge pushed the score to 12-2 and left Lawrence staring at a potential run-rule finish. 

But the Vikings had other plans.

In the bottom of the seventh, Gabe Villa stepped in as a pinch hitter and delivered a single to ignite the rally. That moment flipped the energy in the ballpark and sparked one of Lawrence's most explosive innings of the season. 

With momentum building, Nathan Depew launched a two-run home run to get the Vikings on the board. Lawrence continued to apply pressure with quality at-bats and baserunners, setting the stage for Ben Gutowski, who crushed a three-run homer to cap a five-run inning and suddenly cut the deficit to 12-7. 

Monmouth responded with three runs in the ninth to extend the lead, but even then, Lawrence refused to let its season end quietly.

In the bottom of the ninth, the Vikings mounted one final charge. After putting runners on base, CJ Filipek delivered a towering three-run home run, bringing Lawrence back within striking distance. The lineup continued to grind, drawing walks and forcing action on the bases as two more runs crossed the plate. 

With the tying run looming and the crowd back in it, Lawrence battled to the final out before Monmouth was able to close the door.

The Vikings finished with 13 hits on the day, led by a standout performance from Nathan Depew, who recorded four hits and drove in three runs. Ben Gutowski and CJ Filipek each added three RBIs, powering the late offensive surge that nearly completed the comeback.