HIRAM, Ohio - April 14, 2024 - Hiram swept Waynesburg in swift fashion on Sunday afternoon at Myrtis E. Herndon Field, winning both games in five innings (14-1 and 2-1) to go two games above .500 for the first time this season (12-10).
The second of the two games ended early due to a lightning delay and eventually rainy conditions.
It's an exciting start to a busy week for the team, as it has four more home games in next five days, including a key conference doubleheader against Denison.
Game 1 Recap
After scoring seven runs in the first inning between its first two home games of the season, Hiram jumped on the Yellow Jackets for three runs in the first inning and nine runs in the second inning. Each of the team's first eight starters recorded at least one hit, which included multi-hit efforts from Darian Kanno, Fayth Kawamura, Kylie Perez and Daynna Mekaru.
A string of extra-base hits carved out a 5-1 lead, with Perez (double), Danielle Robles (triple) and Kawamura all knocking in runs in the early stages. In the second inning alone, the Terriers had seven hits, which included another batch of hits from Angel Santellan (RBI single), Mekaru (two-run single), Megan Moser (RBI single), Vivana Macias (RBI single) and Kanno (two-run triple).
For the entire game, Hiram finished with season-highs in runs (14), hits (13, T-most), RBI (13) and triples (three). Mekaru added an RBI triple in the third inning to cap off the offensive outburst.
Kanno also did a good job in the circle, logging three innings of one-run ball to earn the win. Hope Sizemore pitched two innings of scoreless relief to finish the game in less than 90 minutes.
Game 2 Recap
With dark clouds hovering over Herndon Field, Hiram knew it needed to deliver in the key moments to pull out a tight Game 2. The team began by scoring in the first inning for the fourth straight home game, with Kawamura lifting a sacrifice fly to score Kanno, who doubled to begin the home half of the frame.
Santellan made an impact in the circle, staying around the strike zone and allowing just one run on a double in the fourth inning. Her final line was enough to earn a fourth victory: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 5 K.
In the fifth inning, with the wind swirling and clouds moving, the Terriers pieced together the game-winning rally. Mekaru doubled, Moser sacrificed her teammate over to third base and Macias strategically placed a bunt to third base to score Mekaru from third. Shortly thereafter, a lightning delay ensued and then a heavy rain/hail brought the official game to a finish.
What's Next
Hiram will host Denison for an NCAC doubleheader on Wednesday beginning at 3:30 p.m. from Myrtis E. Herndon Field in Hiram, Ohio.
