Chris Bryant
Contributing Writer

LEXINGTON, KY – The Transylvania Pioneers defeated the Berea College Mountaineers by a score of 12-2 on Monday afternoon at Legends Field. The Pioneers' offense exploded for twelve runs, securing a decisive home victory.

Transylvania got off to a strong start in the bottom of the first inning, scoring four runs. After freshman third baseman Baxter Tedesco was hit by a pitch and junior shortstop Seita Shiratori singled, junior designated hitter Houston Manning reached on a throwing error, bringing home Tedesco. Senior second baseman Henry Mitcham followed with a sacrifice fly, scoring Shiratori. Freshman right fielder Max Finn then delivered a two-RBI triple to right-center, scoring sophomore left fielder Chris Hedinger and senior first baseman Austin Taylor, giving the Pioneers an early 4-0 lead.

Berea responded in the top of the third, scoring two runs to close the gap to 4-2. However, the Pioneers added two more runs in the bottom of the fourth. Freshman center fielder Ethan Dillon tripled, and Baxter Tedesco followed with an RBI double. Tedesco then scored on a wild pitch, extending Transylvania's lead to 6-2.

The Pioneers continued to add to their lead in the bottom of the fifth, plating three runs. Max Finn drove in two runs with a single, and senior catcher Bryce Dreher followed with a two-RBI single of his own, making the score 9-2.

Transylvania tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the sixth. Austin Taylor hit a two-RBI double, scoring pinch runner Callum McAtee and Seita Shiratori. Chris Hedinger then doubled down the left-field line, bringing home Taylor, pushing the score to 12-2, allowing the Pioneers to run rule in the 7th inning.

Offensively, the Pioneers were led by Max Finn, who had a triple and two RBI's. Austin Taylor contributed with a double and two RBI's, and Bryce Dreher also drove in two runs. Baxter Tedesco had a double and an RBI, and Houston Manning and Henry Mitcham each added an RBI.

Sophomore pitcher Drew Bowles (3-1) earned the win for the Pioneers, pitching 6.0 innings and allowing two runs on six hits with four strikeouts. Freshman pitcher Kemper Dotson pitched a scoreless seventh inning.

Follow the Pioneers:

To keep up with Transy Baseball, follow the Pioneers on Instagram and X @transybaseball 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.