FT. MYERS, FLA.  -- The Hiram College baseball team began the 2012 season in winning fashion with a two-game sweep against Emerson (Mass.) College, 9-6 in 11 innings and 7-5, in Ft. Myers, Fla. 

The Terriers begin the season with a 2-0 record following today's victories.

In game one, Hiram took the early lead with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning on a RBI ground out by senior infielder/catcher Randy Miller (Glenmont/West Holmes) with bases loaded and a sacrifice fly later in the inning by senior infielder/catcher Tim Calhoun (Canfield).  Emerson cut the lead in half with a run in the bottom of the second to make the score 2-1.  Both teams traded runs in the sixth and the Terriers added to their lead with a run in the top of the seventh thanks to a RBI fielder's choice by sophomore infielder Shane Haidet (Alliance/Merlington) to give Hiram a two-run advantage heading into the bottom half of the inning.  Emerson rallied to tie the game in its final at-bat of regulation to send the game into extra frames.  The game remained deadlocked at 4-4 until the top of the 11th when Hiram crossed the plate five times that included a two-RBI double by Calhoun, making the score 9-4.  Emerson looked to rally again in the bottom of the inning scoring two runs.  But the runs would come with two outs as Hiram caught the next batter looking to seal the 9-6 marathon victory. 

Hiram totaled nine hits in the game and was led by Calhoun who finished one-of-four with two runs scored and three RBI.  Six other Terrier players recorded hits, including freshman outfielder Nate Weiss (Warren, Mich./University Liggett) who had a pair of hits in six at-bats with two RBI in his collegiate debut. 

On the mound, senior Mike LaLonde (Willowick/South) started the game and pitched six innings allowing three runs, none earned, on four hits and struck out five batters.  Freshman J.T. Taylor (Niles) pitched the final five innings in relief to get the win and begin the season at 1-0.  Taylor allowed three runs, two earned, on seven hits and posted four strikeouts.

In the nightcap, Emerson grabbed the early lead with a three-run second inning.  This time, Hiram rallied with four runs in the bottom of the third that included a two-RBI single by Weiss making the score 4-3.  Emerson answered with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning to regain the lead at 5-4.  The Terriers rallied one more time with three scores in their half of the inning that was highlighted by another two-RBI single by Weiss.  Emerson made some noise in the final frame with the first three batters reaching base.  Junior pitcher Eric Cameron (Akron/Green), who came on the sixth in relief, then got the next three Emerson players to record outs to preserve a 7-5 Hiram win.

The Hiram offense was led by senior All-North Coast Athletic Conference infielder Torrey Stimson (Hudson/Walled Lake, Mich.) who went three-of-four at the plate with a run scored and two RBI. 

Senior pitcher John Colla (Austintown/Ursuline) started the nightcap and five-and-a-third innings to claim his first win of the season.  He allowed five runs on six hits and struck out one batter.  Cameron pitched an inning and two-thirds giving up no runs and two hits to record the save, his first of the season.

Hiram continues its Florida trip tomorrow with a pair of nine-inning single games.  The Terriers will take on Ohio Northern University in game one at noon, followed by Widener (Pa.) University at 3 p.m.