ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The hot start to the 2025 season by the Washington University in St. Louis baseball team was stopped by Illinois Wesleyan on Sunday afternoon, as the Titans won the series finale, 4-1, at Kelly Field.

WashU was in control for the early portion of the game, picking up a run in the bottom of the second to get on the board first. First-year Ryan Soong led off the frame and was hit by a pitch. Graduate Will Yarbro followed with a ball that was played short by the third baseman who attempted to get Soong out going to second, but the throw was not in time as the Bears put runners on first and second with no outs.

Sophomore Carson Cleage would sacrifice bunt both Yarbro and Soong one base to put runners in scoring position with just one out. A deep fly by sophomore Miles Birke kept Yarbro on second but allowed Soong to come home and put WashU ahead, 1-0.

In both the fourth and fifth innings, the Bears defense was able to keep the Titans off the board despite having runners in scoring position with less than two outs. However, the luck ran out in the top of the sixth as IWU tied the game, scoring a run on a fielder's choice for a second out. The next batter grounded out to third.

The Titans took the lead in the top of the seventh, 3-1, with a pair of runs on three singles, a walk, and a sacrifice fly to left field. IWU added an insurance run in the top of the ninth on a walk and a double down the left field line and into the corner. They held the Bears scoreless in the bottom of the ninth for the 4-1 win.

Soong went two-for-two at the plate with a run scored to lead the Bears. Buday notched the other hit for the Bears.

Sophomore Owen Block took the loss in relief. Starting pitcher sophomore Levi Gingerich pitched the first five innings striking out seven and allowing just one earned run.

WashU is back on Kelly Field on Wednesday, Mar. 5 when they play a midweek contest against Westminster (MO). First pitch at Irv Utz Stadium is scheduled for 2 p.m.