Akron, OH – The Wittenberg University baseball team traveled north to begin their 2021 campaign, taking down the NCAA Division I Akron University Zips, 5-1. It had been since the spring trip of 1987 to Jacksonville, FL that these two programs had last met. Wittenberg was able to overtake the Zips, in what was their second game of the season, 9-4. This was the first time the Tigers had challenged a Division I opponent since the Red and White took on the Dayton Flyers in 2011. Wittenberg last saw a victory come over a Division I opponent when the Tigers defeated the Flyers 14-10 on April 11 of 2002. That season, Wittenberg went on to put together multiple 20-win seasons throughout the early 2000s, posting a 21-16 overall record during that 2002 season.

Game Breakdown

Wittenberg didn't back from the challenge, taking the early lead and posting two runs in the top of the first inning. Jack Hollinshead ignited the Tiger offense with a two-run homer over the leftfield fence, bringing home Patrick Kenny, putting the Red and White ahead. Tanner Griggs took the mound to start the game for the Tigers, putting in two innings of work. Griggs allowed just one hit and one run with nine batters faced. After the Zips managed to cut the Tiger lead in half after the second inning, leading to a scoreless third by both squads. Wittenberg unloaded the offense in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings. Gage Carpenter smacked a single to the left side, bringing around Mason Davis, giving Wittenberg the 3-1 lead. Jack Siefert reached on the fielder's choice, pushing Gabe Stacy across the plate, forcing the Zips to get the out at third with the bases loaded with Tigers. Wittenberg forced a third Akron error of the afternoon with Hollinshead forcing the mistake by the Zips shortstop, allowing Chase Whisner to score the final Tiger run.

Rusty Hayhurst put in three innings of work, allowing no hits and no runs, against nine batters faced from the third through the fifth. Michael Osmond logged three strikeouts with one hit allowed in two innings of work. Joe Horoszko and Nick Cunningham closed out the final two innings, securing the victory for the Tigers.

UP NEXT

Wittenberg makes their home debut on Saturday, March 13 taking on the Olivet College Comets in a doubleheader series from Carleton Davidson Stadium. The first pitch is set for 1:00 PM.