Chris Bryant
Contributing Writer
Game 1:
Franklin, IN – The Transylvania Pioneers fell to the Franklin College Grizzlies in the first game of their Saturday doubleheader, losing by a score of 12-2 at McDowell Field. The Grizzlies' offense proved potent, scoring consistently throughout the game.
Franklin took an early lead, scoring three runs in the bottom of the third inning. They then exploded for seven runs in the bottom of the fourth, building a commanding 10-1 lead.
The Pioneers scored their first run in the top of the third when junior designated hitter Houston Manning singled through the left side, driving in freshman catcher Trevor Watkins. Transylvania added their second run in the top of the sixth when freshman right fielder Max Finn hit a solo home run.
Franklin added two more runs in the bottom of the seventh, securing the 12-2 victory.
Offensively for Transylvania, freshman right fielder Max Finn had a home run and an RBI. Junior designated hitter Houston Manning also contributed with an RBI single. Junior shortstop Seita Shiratori and sophomore left fielder Chris Hedinger each recorded a double.
Junior pitcher Luke Patton (2-3) took the loss for the Pioneers, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing eight runs (three earned) on three hits.
Game 2:
Franklin, IN – The Transylvania Pioneers bounced back in the second game of their Saturday doubleheader against Franklin College, earning a hard-fought 8-6 victory. The Pioneers' offense came alive in key moments, securing the split on the road.
Franklin took an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Transylvania responded in the top of the third, scoring two runs. Junior shortstop Seita Shiratori singled up the middle, driving in freshman center fielder Ethan Dillon, and junior designated hitter Houston Manning followed with a single, scoring junior shortstop Seita Shiratori.
Franklin added a run in the bottom of the fourth, but the Pioneers answered with three runs in the top of the fifth to take a 5-4 lead. Junior designated hitter Houston Manning doubled down the right-field line, scoring junior shortstop Seita Shiratori. Sophomore left fielder Chris Hedinger then doubled to center field, driving in both Houston Manning and senior first baseman Austin Taylor.
Franklin regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth, scoring two runs to make it 6-5. The Pioneers rallied in the top of the ninth, scoring three runs to secure the victory. Junior shortstop Seita Shiratori singled up the middle, driving in freshman center fielder Ethan Dillon. Senior second baseman Henry Mitcham doubled down the left-field line, scoring junior shortstop Seita Shiratori. Senior first baseman Austin Taylor then hit a sacrifice fly, bringing home freshman third baseman Baxter Tedesco.
Fifth-year Gabe Dillard (3-0) earned the win for the Pioneers, pitching 2.2 scoreless innings. Fifth-year senior Matt Armstrong recorded the save, pitching a scoreless final inning.
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