LEXINGTON - Transylvania Baseball's season came to an end in the NCAA Regional Championship on Sunday afternoon after falling just short of their quest for the NCAA Super Regional. The Pioneers lost to Birmingham Southern 5-2 to finish 34-14 on the season to set a new program best for wins in a season.

Transy also set a new record for wins in the NCAA tournament with 2 after finishing 2-2 this weekend. 

Transylvania had a quick turnaround heading into the championship game after taking down rival Spalding University last night in 12 innings. The Pioneers came ready to play this afternoon, and gave Birmingham Southern its toughest game in the regional.

Transylvania outhit the Panthers in the loss, and were led by Trent Youngblood, Henry Mitcham, and Austin Taylor who all finished with 2 hits each. Trent Pahl added a hit and Bryce Dreher added a hit and an RBI in the 8th inning to break the shutout.

The Pioneers wouldn't go away quietly. Transy loaded the bases in the 9th, and after Chase Gartner was hit by a pitch to score Youngblood the Pioneers had an opportunity to tie the game with the tying runner on first base. The Panthers would get a ground out to end the game and advance to the NCAA Super Regional next weekend.

This season was the 2nd time in the last 4 years Transy made the NCAA tournament and was the first time ever that they received an at large bid and hosted a regional. It was the first time an HCAC team has earned an at large bid since 2008 when Rose-Hulman earned an at large bid the same year Transylvania won the HCAC tournament to play in the NCAA regional.

"I think this was the season we were supposed to have. Was it the ending we were supposed to have? I don't know, but I know from a physical standpoint, from a developmental standpoint, a recruiting standpoint, from a talent standpoint, I just think this was the type of season we were supposed to have." Head Coach Zack Getsee said after the regional. The Pioneers knew coming into this season that they would have success with a veteran group and upperclassmen stepping up. 

"We were supposed to break the school record for wins, we were supposed to be a 1 or 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, we were supposed to make it to Sunday in a regional." Getsee said.

Transylvania's senior class played in 7 NCAA regional games, and earned 3 wins in the tournament. They reached the HCAC tournament 3 times, having won it in 2021 to earn their first trip to the NCAA tournament in over a decade. 

"They played in 2 NCAA tournaments, won a conference championship, got an at large bid in the NCAA tournament, and played in 7 NCAA tournament games in their (the seniors) career. That's a lot for a career... I am just really happy for them"

The Pioneers will look to build on this season' success when they take the field in February of 2025.