Box Score LEXINGTON, Ky. - Transylvania escaped from a bases loaded no out jam in the seventh inning Friday, but the Pioneers were not able to overcome Franklin, losing the first game of a three-game Heartland Conference series 3-0 at Marquard Field.

Transy (14-13, 7-6 HCAC) found itself behind Franklin (20-6, 8-4) by a 2-0 count after the Grizzlies tacked a pair of runs on the board in the third inning. Franklin put its first two runners on via a hit by pitch and a walk with one out off Chris Bloch (3-2). A single plated the first run and the second scored on a ground out.

The lead remained 2-0 when Franklin loaded the bases with none out. Royce Neeley came in for Bloch and retired the only hitter he faced on a strikeout. Next came Shelby Dixon, who induced a grounder that he turned into a force out at the plate. Finally, Taylor Bugh entered the contest and got a strkeout looking.

Danny Niehaus pitched the final two innings and game up a run in the ninth on a sacrifice fly to left.

Ken Riley had a double and two singles to account for three of Transy's seven hits. Johnny Renz, Zach Riney, Sam Liggett, and Kevin Brinkman added singles to the attack.

Transy was hurt by hitting into three double plays.

The Pioneers and Grizzlies will continue their series on Saturday, with a doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m. at Marquard Field.