HIRAM, Ohio - April 28, 2025 - Hiram nearly pulled off a major comeback on Monday afternoon, pulling within one run after facing a nine-run deficit at Fishel Field against a future PAC opponent in Grove City.
The Terriers put the tying and go-ahead runs on base with no outs in the ninth inning, but Grove City escaped the inning on a strikeout and a pair of groundouts to halt the promising rally.
It was one of the more unique games that you will ever see, as the two teams combined for 25 runs over the first five innings before pitching held the upper hand over the final four innings (0 combined runs). The Terriers and Wolverines also had 34 combined hits, but only one of those hits came in the final two frames.
After surrendering an eight-run fourth inning and eventually falling behind, 13-4, Hiram displayed resilience and came just 90 feet away from tying the contest.
The rally came in the fifth, when the Terriers hung an eight-spot on the scoreboard to make it a 13-12 game. Two runs came around to score on an error, Ben Yoder ripped an RBI single, Hal Walker Jr. was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and the margin was now just five runs.
With the bases still loaded, Tyler Fernandez delivered one of the hardest hit balls of the game with a three-run double to the left-center field wall to make it a 13-11 game. One batter later, John Bender stayed hot and found the inside of the left-field line to record an RBI double and bring the Terriers one run closer.
Grove City escaped the inning without any further damage, and proceeded to strand five runners on base for the remainder of the nail-biting contest. Hiram's 3-4-5 hitters (Tyler Fernandez, John Bender, Matthew Trimble) each had multiple hits, combining for a .438 batting average (7-for-16) with six RBI and five runs scored.
Despite the remarkable offensive performance, Grove City held on for the win and improved its overall record to 26-9, which includes 12 straight wins.
Hiram will return to the diamond on Tuesday, when it travels to Wooster, OH for a doubleheader against the Fighting Scots beginning at 11 a.m. at Art Murray Field.
