Chris Byrant 
Contributing Writer

Lexington, KY – The Transylvania Pioneers fell to the Anderson University Ravens by a score of 7-5 in the first game of their Saturday HCAC doubleheader at Legends Stadium. Despite a late-inning comeback attempt, the Pioneers couldn't overcome an early deficit built by the Ravens.

Anderson got on the board quickly in the top of the first inning, scoring a run. The Ravens extended their lead in the top of the second, plating three runs to take a 4-0 advantage. Transylvania responded in the bottom of the second when freshman center fielder Ethan Dillon reached on a fielding error, allowing sophomore left fielder Chris Hedinger to score.

The Ravens added two more runs in the top of the fourth, increasing their lead to 6-1. The Pioneers chipped away in the bottom of the third when senior second baseman Henry Mitcham singled home senior first baseman Austin Taylor.

Anderson scored their final run in the top of the sixth, making the score 7-2. Transylvania began to rally in the bottom of the fifth when senior catcher Caleb Bowers scored on a double play. In the bottom of the sixth, Chris Hedinger launched a solo home run to left-center, bringing the Pioneers within three runs at 7- 4.

Transylvania mounted a final comeback effort in the bottom of the ninth. With one out, freshman center fielder Ethan Dillon hit a solo home run to right field. However, the rally ended there as the next two Pioneers were retired.

Offensively, Chris Hedinger led the Pioneers with a double and a home run, driving in one run. Freshman center fielder Ethan Dillon also had a home run and an RBI. Freshman third baseman Baxter Tedesco contributed with three hits, and Henry Mitcham had a hit and an RBI.

Junior pitcher Luke Patton took the loss for the Pioneers, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing six runs on seven hits. Freshman pitcher Giancarlo Gonzalez pitched well in relief, allowing only one run on three hits in 3.2 innings.

C. Williams earned the win for Anderson, and J. Schassbur picked up the save. The Pioneers will look to bounce back in the second game of the doubleheader.

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.