Chris Bryant

Contributing Writer

Kokomo, IN – The Transylvania Pioneers' impressive run through the HCAC Tournament came to an end on Saturday, May 10th, as they fell to the Manchester Spartans 7-3 in the championship game at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.

Manchester struck first in the top of the second inning when M. Cobb grounded out for an RBI, scoring C. Bortone.

Transylvania battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the third. Senior catcher Bryce Dreher singled and advanced on a sacrifice bunt by senior outfielder Collin McElfresh. Junior shortstop Seita Shiratori then delivered an RBI single up the middle to score Dreher, making it 1-1.

The Spartans regained the lead in the fourth when A. Westfield scored on a balk, an unearned run. They extended their advantage in the fifth on an RBI double by M. Horner, pushing the score to 3-1.

The Pioneers showed their fight late in the game. In the bottom of the eighth, with Dreher and McElfresh on base, Seita Shiratori came through again with a clutch two-run single to right-center, tying the game at 3-3 and electrifying the Transylvania faithful.

However, Manchester responded decisively in the top of the ninth. A bases-loaded walk to G. Gleason forced in the go-ahead run. M. Horner then broke the game open with a three-run triple, giving the Spartans a 7-3 lead that would hold for the final.

For Transylvania, Seita Shiratori had an outstanding game, collecting three hits and driving in all three of the Pioneers' runs. Bryce Dreher singled, walked, and scored two runs, while Collin McElfresh singled and scored a run.

Sophomore Henry Craig started on the mound for the Pioneers, pitching 5.0 innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on four hits while striking out two. Sophomore Camryn Warfield and fifth-year Gabe Dillard provided three combined innings of scoreless relief, keeping Transy in the game. Fifth-year Matt Armstrong took the loss (1-2) in the ninth.

J. Holley earned the win for Manchester.

The loss concluded a remarkable tournament effort by the Pioneers, who battled through multiple elimination games to reach the championship.

End of Season Summary for Transylvania Baseball:

With the conclusion of the HCAC Tournament, the Pioneers finished the 2025 season with the following records:

• Overall Record: 23-21 (PCT: .523)
• Conference Record: 13-9 (PCT: .591)
• Final Streak: L1
• Home Record: 15-8
• Away Record: 5-9
• Neutral Site Record: 3-4