Chris Bryant
Contributing Writer

 

Game 1 Recap: Bluffton 8, Transylvania 7

Bluffton, OH – The Transylvania Pioneers fell to the Bluffton University Beavers in a hard-fought opening game of their Saturday doubleheader, losing 8-7 in a dramatic ninth-inning finish. The contest saw multiple lead changes and strong offensive efforts from both sides.

The Pioneers initially took the lead in the top of the third inning, scoring four runs. Austin Taylor started the rally with an RBI single, followed by an RBI single from Chris Hedinger. A Bluffton error allowed two more Pioneers to cross the plate. Transylvania extended their lead to 5-4 in the top of the fifth when Baxter Tedesco singled home Chris Hedinger.

Leading 6-4 in the bottom of the seventh, Bluffton managed to score a run, closing the gap to one. Transylvania added what seemed like a crucial insurance run in the top of the eighth when Austin Taylor hit a sacrifice fly, making the score 7-5.

However, the Beavers mounted a comeback in the bottom of the ninth. After Transylvania reliever Matthew Armstrong retired the first batter, Bluffton loaded the bases. A costly throwing error allowed one run to score, bringing the Beavers within one. Then, with the bases still loaded, C. Rinehart delivered a walk-off RBI single, securing an 8-7 victory for Bluffton.

Offensively, the Pioneers had a productive day at the plate, collecting 11 hits. Senior second baseman Henry Mitcham and senior left fielder Chris Hedinger each had three hits. Austin Taylor and freshman third baseman Baxter Tedesco each contributed two RBIs. Sophomore pitcher Luke Patton started for Transylvania, going 4.0 innings. Matthew Armstrong was given the loss.

Game 2 Recap: Transylvania 16, Bluffton 3

Bluffton, OH – The Transylvania Pioneers responded emphatically in the second game of their doubleheader against Bluffton University, dominating the Beavers with a 16-3 victory. The Pioneers' offense exploded for 16 runs on 16 hits, highlighted by three home runs.

Transylvania's scoring began in the top of the second inning when freshman shortstop M. Finn hit a solo home run to center field. The floodgates opened in the top of the third as the Pioneers scored seven runs. The inning featured an RBI single from senior left fielder Chris Hedinger, followed by a towering three-run home run from senior center fielder Ethan Dillon. Senior second baseman Henry Mitcham added a two-RBI double, and Chris Hedinger drove in another run with a single.

The Pioneers continued their offensive onslaught, adding two runs in the fourth on an RBI single from Ethan Dillon. In the fifth, senior first baseman Austin Taylor singled home junior designated hitter Seita Shiratori. Chris Hedinger then blasted a solo home run to left-center in the top of the sixth, extending the Pioneers' lead to 12-3.

The Pioneers capped off their offensive showcase with a four-run seventh inning. After loading the bases, Chris Hedinger delivered a two-RBI single, and Ethan Dillon followed with a two-RBI single of his own, bringing the final score to 16-3.

Ethan Dillon had an outstanding game, going 3-for-5 with a home run and seven RBIs. Chris Hedinger also had a phenomenal performance, going 4-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs. Austin Taylor chipped in with four hits and an RBI, while Henry Mitcham had two hits and two RBIs.

Senior pitcher Connor Arnold earned the victory for the Pioneers, pitching 6.0 strong innings and allowing three runs on six hits with an impressive nine strikeouts. Freshman pitcher Kemper Dotson pitched a scoreless final inning.

Up Next

Transylvania hosts Manchester for a double header at Legends Field on Sunday at noon and 3:00 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.