Box Score Chris Bryant
Contributing Writer 

Kokomo, IN – The Transylvania Pioneers kept their HCAC Tournament hopes alive with a convincing 10-3 victory over the Franklin Grizzlies on Friday morning at Kokomo Municipal Stadium.  

Transylvania jumped out to an early lead, plating four runs in the top of the first inning. Senior second baseman Henry Mitcham delivered a two-run single to score freshman center fielder Evan Dillon and junior shortstop Seita Shiratori. Freshman third baseman Baxter Tedesco then scored on an RBI single by sophomore outfielder Chris Hedinger. Junior designated hitter Houston Manning capped the inning with an RBI sacrifice bunt that brought Mitcham home.  

The score remained 4-0 until the top of the seventh when the Pioneers extended their lead. Senior first baseman Austin Taylor hit a two-run double, scoring Tedesco and Shiratori. Manning followed with an RBI single to make it 7-0.  

Franklin broke through in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs. G. DeHart singled to bring in a run, aided by a Transylvania error. I. Nuckles then added a two-run single.  

Transylvania put the game away with three more runs in the top of the ninth. Taylor hit his second RBI double of the game, scoring Mitcham. Manning then laid down an RBI bunt single to score Taylor. Junior Camden McAtee, who pinch-ran for Hedinger, scored the final run on an RBI single by senior outfielder Collin McElfresh.  

Offensively for the Pioneers, Henry Mitcham had a strong game with three hits, including two doubles, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Austin Taylor contributed two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBIs. Houston Manning also drove in three runs on two hits. Seita Shiratori had two hits and scored twice.  

Freshman Giancarlo Gonzalez started on the mound for Transylvania, pitching 3.0 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out two. Senior Connor Arnold earned the win (4-0) in relief, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing three earned runs. Sophomore Brayden Offenbacher, fifth-year Gabe Dillard, and fifth-year Matt Armstrong combined for 2.2 innings of scoreless relief to close out the game.  

C. Manuel took the loss for Franklin.

Transylvania's Remaining HCAC Tournament Path:

With the win over Franklin, Transylvania advances in the elimination bracket.

• Next Game (GAME 8): Transylvania will play later today, Friday, May 9th, at 7:45 pm. They will face the winner of Game 6 (Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4).

If Transylvania wins Game 8:

• They will advance to GAME 9 on Saturday, May 10th, at 1:00 pm, playing against the loser of Game 7.

Further Potential Games for Transylvania (dependent on winning preceding games):

• Saturday, May 10:

  • GAME 10: Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9 @ 4:30 pm

• Sunday, May 11:

  • GAME 11: Repeat of Game 10 (only if Game 9 winner wins Game 10) @ 12 pm

    • *If Necessary Game

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.