LEXINGTON, KY - The Transylvania University Pioneers delivered a dominant performance, sweeping a doubleheader against the Westminster College (MO) Blue Jays at Legends Lane. The Pioneers offense exploded for a combined 24 runs across the two games, securing convincing victories of 8-2 in Game 1 and 16-6 in Game 2. With the doubleheader wins, Transylvania takes a 2-0 lead in the three-game series and improves their overall record to 4-4 on the season.

Game 1: Pioneers Cruise to 8-2 Victory

In the opening game of the doubleheader, Transylvania jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, defeating Westminster 8-2. Westminster scored an unearned run in the top of the first, but the Pioneers responded quickly. In the bottom of the second, Baxter Tedesco drove in Chris Hedinger with a groundout to tie the game. The Pioneers then took the lead in the fourth, scoring two runs when Bryce Dreher delivered a clutch two-RBI single, scoring Henry Mitcham and Chris Hedinger.

The Transylvania offense erupted in the fifth inning, plating five runs to put the game out of reach. Seita Shiratori started the rally with an RBI single, followed by an RBI double from Henry Mitcham. Chris Hedinger added a sacrifice fly, and Baxter Tedesco capped off the inning with a two-RBI double. Westminster managed to add a run in the top of the 9th, but it was too little, too late as Transylvania secured the 8-2 win in the first game of the series.

Offensively, the Pioneers were led by Henry Mitcham, who continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Baxter Tedesco also drove in three runs, while Bryce Dreher contributed two RBIs. Ethan Dillon and Seita Shiratori each chipped in with two hits apiece. On the basepaths, Ethan Dillon, Seita Shiratori, and Chris Hedinger each stole a base, showcasing the team's speed.

On the mound, Luke Patton delivered a strong performance, earning the win and pitching a dominant 7.0 innings. Patton allowed just one unearned run on four hits and struck out six Blue Jays, effectively shutting down the Westminster offense. Tristan Cooper pitched the final two innings in relief.

Game 2: Pioneers Explode for 16 Runs in Decisive Victory

Game two showcased an even more impressive offensive explosion from the Pioneers, as they scored 16 runs in a dominant performance to defeat Westminster 16-6 in a run-rule shortened 7-inning game. After Westminster took an early 1-0 lead in the first, Transylvania responded immediately with two runs in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by an RBI single from Max Finn. The Pioneers continued to add runs in the second and third innings, extending their lead to 7-1.

Westminster attempted to rally in the fourth and fifth innings, scoring five runs to close the gap to 7-6. However, the Pioneers answered back emphatically in the bottom of the sixth, erupting for a massive eight-run inning to regain control and secure the run-rule victory and the doubleheader sweep. In the decisive inning, Ethan Dillon drove in two runs with a single, Seita Shiratori and Henry Mitcham each added RBI singles, and Houston Manning, pinch-hitting, capped the scoring with an RBI single of his own.

There were many notable offensive standouts for Transylvania in Game 2. Ethan Dillon led the charge with 3 hits and 3 RBIs. Seita Shiratori continued his strong day with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, and Max Finn drove in three runs, highlighted by a sacrifice fly. Caleb Bowers also had a big game, driving in two runs, and Henry Mitcham and Chris Hedinger each added two hits and an RBI. Baxter Tedesco contributed with a stolen base and Chris Hedinger also stole a base, keeping the pressure on Westminster's defense.

Connor Arnold started on the mound for Transylvania in Game 2. Gabe Dillard pitched in relief and earned the win, while Nathan Hale closed out the final two innings.

"Thought we played really well today," said Head Coach Zack Getsee. "The offense did a tremendous job, and the pitching staff was tremendous as well. We're doing a good job of putting the work in to figure ourselves out, and we've got another chance tomorrow to keep building on that."

Looking Ahead:

With the doubleheader wins, the Transylvania Pioneers have won three games in a row and will aim to secure a series victory against Westminster in the final game on Saturday at 12:00 PM. The Pioneers' offense has clearly found its stride, scoring 32 runs in their last three games.

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