Chris Bryant
Contributing Writer
Kokomo, IN – The Transylvania Pioneers dropped a hard-fought contest to the Mt. St. Joseph Lions, 7-6, in the opening round of the HCAC Tournament on Thursday at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.
Mt. St. Joseph struck first, scoring two unearned runs in the top of the second inning. An error allowed the first run to score, and a sacrifice fly by S. Moore brought in the second. The Lions extended their lead in the third with an RBI groundout from B. Martin and a two-run single by J. Sanders, making it 5-0.
Transylvania answered back in the bottom of the third. Senior catcher Bryce Dreher scored on a balk. Later in the inning, freshman third baseman Baxter Tedesco delivered a two-run single, plating junior shortstop Seita Shiratori and senior outfielder Collin McElfresh to cut the deficit to 5-3.
The Lions added two more runs in the top of the fifth on an RBI double by J. Sanders and an RBI single by E. Mason, pushing their lead to 7-3.
The Pioneers mounted another comeback in the bottom of the fifth. Sophomore outfielder Chris Hedinger hit a sacrifice fly to score Tedesco. Junior designated hitter Houston Manning then singled to drive in senior first baseman Austin Taylor and senior second baseman Henry Mitcham, bringing Transy within one run at 7-6.
Despite loading the bases in the bottom of the eighth with a chance to tie or take the lead, the Pioneers couldn't push another run across.
Offensively for Transylvania, Baxter Tedesco led the way with three hits, including a double, a run scored, and two RBIs. Austin Taylor and Henry Mitcham each collected two hits and scored a run. Houston Manning drove in two runs, while Evan Dillon added a double.
Sophomore pitcher Drew Bowles started for the Pioneers and took the loss (5-3), allowing six runs (four earned) on two hits and six walks over 4.0 innings. Junior Luke Patton and fifth-year Gabe Dillard pitched in relief, with Dillard tossing four scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out two.
N. Miller earned the win for Mt. St. Joseph, and R. Caulfield recorded the save.
Transylvania's Upcoming HCAC Tournament Schedule:
Friday, May 9
• GAME 5: #4 Transylvania vs. #6 Franklin @ 10 am
(Elimination Game)
If Transylvania wins Game 5:
• GAME 8: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6
@ 7:45 pm
Further Potential Games for Transylvania (dependent on winning preceding games):
Saturday, May 10
• GAME 9: Loser Game 7 vs. Winner Game 8 @ 1 pm
• GAME 10: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9 @ 4:30 pm
Sunday, May 11
• GAME 11: Repeat of Game 10 (only if Game 9 winner wins Game 10) @ 12 pm
• *If Necessary Game
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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.
