NEW CONCORD, Ohio - March 21, 2023 - Hiram struck early but couldn't hold on in an 8-4 loss to Muskingum on Tuesday evening at Mose Morehead Field.

The Terriers scored 4 runs within the first three innings before the Fighting Muskies offense put up 8 unanswered runs to pick up the win. The two teams are now 1-1 against each other this season, with another matchup scheduled for April 27.

Aidan Stephens had a strong start, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits over 4 innings. His 5 strikeouts were his most in a career game. Jacob Kocuba was dominant in relief, with another 5 punchouts over 2.2 scoreless innings of work.

On the offensive side, Tanner Allison reached base safely in 3 of his 4 plate appearances (single and 2 walks). Evan Fairbanks also had an RBI double out of the cleanup spot in the lineup to kickoff the scoring in the first inning.

After Fairbanks gave Hiram a 1-0 lead, the Terriers scored another 3 runs on a Connor Bansek run and a pair of hit by pitches with the bases loaded in the third inning. Muskingum responded with 2 runs in the home half of the frame, but Hiram held a 4-2 lead through the four innings pitched by Stephens.

Muskingum took control for the remainder of the game; 6 of the Fighting Muskies' 10 hits were in the fifth inning or later. Three different Muskingum hitters had a multi-hit day to lift the team to a 9-3 record.

Hiram will head home and host its first games of the season on Saturday against Penn State Behrend beginning at 1 p.m.