HIRAM, Ohio - March 13, 2024 - The Hiram baseball team lost its first game back in Ohio on Wednesday, 5-1, to a Mount Union team that has already reached the 10-win threshold within the first month of the season.

It was a strong effort for the Terriers, as they tallied nine hits – including two doubles from Connor Bansek and a three-hit effort by Hal Walker Jr. – and held the Purple Raiders scoreless for the final five innings on the mound.

Jack Conley started the game and pitched two innings of one-run ball; once the junior right-hander departed, Mount Union put together a four-run third inning that ended up being the difference in the game. Zack Mazza hit a two-run homer to right-center to highlight the offense from the home bats.

Hiram scored its one run on a Bansek RBI double in the seventh inning, which kept Hiram within striking distance through the final out. Nicolas Chernitsky, Sam Boyle, Landin Wescott and Jacob Kocuba all posted scoreless relief outings – the Terriers pitching staff has now allowed five-or-fewer runs in three straight games.

The Terriers will enter the weekend with a winning record (5-4) and another chance to beat some local competition in the OAC. The team will open a three-game series on Saturday at Capital; first pitches are slated for 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, with the finale at 2 p.m. on Sunday.