RICHMOND, IN — Transylvania split a Monday afternoon doubleheader with Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) opponent Earlham. Transylvania defeated Earlham 4–2 in 11 innings in game one.
In a tightly contested game, the Pioneers broke through in the top of the 11th inning. Kaden Ford delivered the game-winning hit with a two-RBI double to give Transylvania a 4–2 lead.
The two teams traded runs early, with Transylvania scoring in the second inning on an RBI single from Joe Murphy. The Pioneers added another run in the fifth, while Earlham answered to tie the game at 2–2 through five innings.
Both teams were held scoreless over the next five innings as the game moved into extras. Transylvania capitalized on an Earlham error in the 11th before Ford's clutch double provided the difference.
Chris Hedinger led the Pioneers with three hits, while Ethan Dillon added two hits, including a double. Max Finn also recorded a hit and scored a run, and Murphy drove in a run.
On the mound, Henry Craig delivered a strong start, allowing two runs over eight innings. Luke Patton earned the win in relief, tossing three scoreless innings while striking out three.
In the second game, Transylvania fell to Earlham 13–9.
The Pioneers battled back from an early deficit and briefly took the lead late, but Earlham responded with runs in the final innings to secure the win.
Earlham jumped out to a 5–0 lead through the first two innings before Transylvania got on the board in the third on a solo home run from Brenton Alcorn. The Pioneers chipped away and broke through in the sixth inning, capitalizing on multiple Earlham errors to score four runs.
Transylvania continued its push in the seventh inning, scoring four runs to take a 9–7 lead. Ethan Dillon delivered an RBI single, while Max Finn added a two-RBI hit and Houston Manning drove in a run on a sacrifice bunt.
Earlham answered immediately in the bottom of the seventh with three runs to regain the lead and added three more in the eighth, including a two-run home run, to extend the margin.
Dillon led the offense with two hits and an RBI, while Shiratori added two hits. Finn drove in two runs, and Alcorn added a home run and an RBI. Murphy and DeSalvo each recorded hits, and Manning added an RBI.
On the mound, Nathan Hale took the loss in relief. The Pioneers used multiple pitchers throughout the contest.
Transylvania moves to 21–10 overall and 13–3 in HCAC play.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. To keep up to date with all of the Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
