SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Some unlikely heroes emerged for Head Coach Jay Lewis in a stunning 10-9 come-from-behind extra inning victory for Wittenberg. As if snapping a seven-game losing streak was not enough incentive, the Tigers sparked an unthinkable rally in the 10th and 11th innings behind young pitching and a walkoff single from pinch-hitting senior Steve Moran (Milford, Ohio/Milford).
After the two sides exchanged runs in the early innings, resulting in a 5-5 score through four frames, it appeared as though the game was destined to be a shootout. Yet, with a bullpen session pitching rotation, the Tigers turned to numerous arms to provide shutdown relief, including sophomore Sam Clement (Chicago, Ill./Whitney Young)and freshman Ted Skalla (Winnetka, Ill./New Trier), who paired up for scoreless innings in the fifth and sixth.
Capital finally broke through in the 10th with a four-spot to seemingly put the game out of reach. However, with the last gasp rally, senior Patrick Williams (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) drove a two-out, three-run home run that caromed off the top of the wall before leaving to tie the game at 9-9 and force another inning.
With momentum on their side, Tiger freshman Matt Rupert (Evanston, Ill./Evanston) set down the Crusaders in order in the top half of the 11th, setting the stage for the final rally and Moran's single.
The win moves Wittenberg to 11-16 with new life heading into a weekend set with NCAC West rival Ohio Wesleyan. The Red & White meet up with the Bishops on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18, for noon-time starts to their two doubleheaders.
Written by: Ben Bradley, SID Assistant