FORT MYERS, Florida - March 6, 2024 - Hiram fell short in a close game with Bluffton University, as the team turned a 13-3 deficit into a 13-13 tie before the Beavers scored the last four runs of the game to hold on for the win, 17-13, on Wednesday afternoon at Terry Park Field 2.
 
Bluffton took control the game in the first five innings, scoring multiple runs in each frame during that span to take a lead as large as 10 runs (13-3). The cleanup and No. 5 hitters in the Beavers lineup finished the game with a combined eight hits and 10 RBI.
 
It wasn't until the fifth, sixth and seventh innings when things started to heat up for the Terriers; three runs came across in the fifth inning on a wild pitch, an RBI single by Matthew Trimble and a sacrifice fly by John Bender. Although still trailing by seven runs, Hiram had something to build on.

That momentum continued into the following inning, as Hal Walker Jr.laced a two-run single up the middle and Trimble returned with the second home run of his collegiate career, a three-run shot to left field to cut the margin to two, 13-11.

In the seventh, Hiram tied the score at 13-13 courtesy of Chaisson Marrs' RBI double and a fielder's choice that brought home Evan Fairbanks. It marked a stretch of 10 straight runs for the home team, as what once seemed to be a done deal was now a potential comeback victory.
 
Bluffton rallied back in the final two innings despite three impressive innings of relief from Cody Horvath; a solo homer gave it the lead and three runs of insurance were tacked on in the ninth inning to bring an end to a game that featured 30 runs and 29 hits.
 
Hiram will have a chance to play Bluffton again as it will match up with Saint John's University at 9 a.m. and Bluffton at 12 p.m. in Fort Myers, FL on Thursday.