Chris Bryant
Contributing Writer

Game - 1: Transylvania vs. Hope

LEXINGTON, KY - The Transylvania University Pioneers opened their home stand at Legends Field with a decisive 8-2 victory over the Hope College Flying Dutchmen on Saturday morning.

Transylvania's offense ignited in the middle innings, scoring two runs in the third, four in the fourth, and single runs in both the sixth and seventh innings. Hope struggled to keep pace, managing only two runs in the fourth and fifth innings respectively.

The Pioneer offense was powered by a balanced attack, racking up eight hits in the contest. Freshman outfielder, Ethan Dillon, provided the big blow, launching a home run, while also contributing a double. Seita Shiratori drove in three runs, and Henry Mitcham added another RBI. Bryce Dreher also contributed a double, while Max Finn, Austin Taylor, and Baxter Tedesco each chipped in with a hit to round out the offensive output for Transylvania.

On the mound, Luke Patton earned the win for the Pioneers, pitching five innings and allowing only two runs. Nathan Hale provided strong relief, pitching four scoreless innings to close out the game and secure the Transylvania victory.

Game - 2: Transylvania vs. Babson 

LEXINGTON, KY - The Transylvania University Pioneers faced a tougher test in the second game of Saturday's double header, falling to the Babson College Beavers by a score of 5-3 in a chilly evening match up at Legends Field.

Transylvania took an early 2-1 lead after two innings, but Babson chipped away, eventually taking the lead in the fifth and adding insurance runs in the sixth and eighth innings. The Pioneers fought to get back in the game, but ultimately fell short against the Beavers.

Offensively, the Pioneers tallied five hits in the evening contest. Max Finn blasted a solo home run, and Austin Taylor tripled for Transylvania. Riley Hill and Chris Hedinger each contributed an RBI to the Pioneer effort. Seita Shiratori also added a hit for the Transylvania offense. 

Six Transylvania pitchers saw action in the nightcap. Connor Arnold started on the mound, pitching five innings. Giancarlo Gonzalez followed with two innings of work. Matt Armstrong, Gabe Dillard, Jacob Moberly, and Brayden Offenbacher each contributed scoreless innings in relief for the Pioneers.

Transylvania will continue their home stand at Legends Field on Sunday against the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets at 1:00 p.m.

To keep up with Transy Baseball, follow the Pioneers on Instagram and X @transybaseball Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at www.transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.