FT. MYERS, FLA.  --  The Hiram College basball team opened the 2014 season with a pair of losses against Alvernia (Pa.) University, 1-0 in eight innings and 18-0, in non-conference action as part of the Gene Cusic Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla.

In game one, both teams had scoring chances throughout the game, but the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 after regulation as Alvernia (2-2) left seven runners on base and Hiram (0-2) left five men stranded.  Freshman outfielder Jaren Bell (Rochester, N.Y./Brighton) led off the top of the eighth inning with a single and later was moved over into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by senior infielder Shane Haidet (Alliance/Marlington), but Bell was thrown out at third base trying to extend the play, ending the half of the inning.  Following a walk by Alvernia to lead off its half of the inning, the Crusaders recorded a fielder's choice before knocking in the game-winning run on a double ending the stalemate and claiming a 1-0 victory.

Hiram finished with four hits in the game with Bell finishing two-of-three.  Senior All-NCAC infielder/pitcher Tim Calhoun (Canfield) and sophomore designated hitter Trevor Foster (Warren/Champion) each recorded a base hit.

At pitcher, junior J.T. Taylor (Niles) pitched the entire game, but would suffer the loss and begins the season 0-1 overall.  He allowed just the lone run while striking out five batters in 7.2 innings.

In the nightcap, the Alvernia offense exploded for nine runs in the top of the first inning to take an early commanding lead.  The Crusaders went on to add five more runs in the fifth and four runs in the seventh to increase their run total to 18 on 15 hits.  The Hiram bats struggled at the plate, recording five hits and leaving four runners on base.  The offensive drought allowed Alvernia to post the 18-0 shutout and complete the two-game sweep.

Four different players recorded hits for Hiram in junior infielder Andrew Thomas (New Castle, Pa./Laurel), Foster, junior outfielder Jeff Segal (West Bloomfield, Mich./West Bloomfield), junior infielder Ron DeAmicis (Austintown/Fitch) and freshman infielder Josh Morales (El Monte, Calif./El Monte).

On the mound, five pitchers saw action for Hiram with sophomore Dequan Ward (Broadview Heights/North Royalton) getting the start.  Ward would be replaced in the first inning after allowing seven runs on three hits.  He was given the loss and is 0-1 overall for the season.