Runs Come In Bunches As Tigers Sweep Comets In Home Opener

Springfield, OH – The Wittenberg University baseball team returned to action on Saturday afternoon, hosting the Comets of Olivet College for a doubleheader series. The Tiger offense exploded in game one taking the seven-inning set by a final score of 11-1. The Tigers and Comets completed the series with a nine-inning game, which saw Wittenberg tally nine runs from the sixth through the eighth, taking the final by a score of 11-4. Wittenberg collected 22 hits on the afternoon between the two games. The Tiger offense was highlighted by a pair of home runs from Jack Siefert and Jack Hollinshead in game one. Tanner Griggs cruised to his first win of the season in the opening game, pitching six innings of shutout ball with five strikeouts.

Game One Breakdown

Hollinshead kickstarted the Tiger offense in the first inning, ripping a double into the gap in right-centerfield to drive in Patrick Kenny. One batter later, Siefert belted a two-run homer off the scoreboard in left field, putting the Tigers ahead 3-0. Wittenberg added to their lead in the bottom of the second, as Kenny grounded into the fielder's choice with the bases loaded, leaving the Comet defense with no play to make, but to take the out at first. Hollinshead drove in two more Tiger runs with a single through the right side, bringing around Gabe Stacy and Dylan Jackson to give Wittenberg the 6-0 lead. Wittenberg continued to score in bunches, adding three more runs to their advantage in the bottom of the fifth. A double down the left-field line by Ryan Probst started the Tiger rally. Gage Carpenter and Jackson each tallied a sacrifice fly to help add to the Tiger lead. Hollinshead capped off the Tiger scoring in the sixth inning with his second homer of the year, putting a two-run shot over the fence in left field.

Game Two Breakdown

Game two saw two scoreless innings to start before the Tiger offense reignited to score two runs in the bottom of the third. The Tigers threatened with runners on the corner, as Stacy reached on the fielder's choice, forcing the Comets to take the out at second and driving in Jackson. Aggressive baserunning by Stacy later in the inning gave Wittenberg the 2-0 lead, after stealing second; he came all the way around to score as Olivet misplayed the steal attempt and the ball ended up in centerfield. Probst lined a single up the middle in the sixth inning to drive in Matt Moore, as the Tigers continued to hold the Comets scoreless. Chase Whisner singled down the line in left to bring home Probst and extend the Wittenberg lead to 4-0. After Olivet put together a three-run seventh inning to cut the lead to within one, as Wittenberg lead 4-3 heading into the bottom half of the inning. A pitching change by the Comets helped provide four runs for the Tigers in the bottom half of the inning. Wittenberg continued to add to their advantage down the stretch, posting three more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Joe Horoszko got the start for the Red and White, tossing six innings, allowing just four hits, and striking out six. Nick Cunningham put in two innings of work, allowing no hits against seven batters faced with two strikeouts. Matt Shanor put in one inning of work, allowing one hit and striking out one.

UP NEXT

Wittenberg will return to action on Sunday, March 14 hosting the Scots from Alma College in a two-game series. The first pitch is set for Noon.