CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - February 27, 2026 - Hiram baseball lost its season opener to Heidelberg, 10-4, despite jumping out to a strong start and holding the opposition to just two runs in the middle innings at VA Memorial Stadium.

The Terriers led by as many as three runs, as seniors Tyler Fernandez and John Bender fueled the charge behind a two-run triple and RBI double respectively in the first inning. Ben Yoder would later add a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning, as some of the most experienced players on the roster accounted for all four runs driven in.

Heidelberg won the game thanks to its steady offense, with the Berg scoring at least one run in six of its eight innings at the plate. Catcher Grant Bomer led all players in the game with a 5-for-5 day, which included a pair of doubles and two runs scored.

Hiram's pitching staff received strong season debuts from freshman Tyler Leasure, whose multiple innings of work included a scoreless frame in the fifth inning, as well as senior Owen Cooper, who worked out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh.

The game marked the second straight season in which the Terriers have opened the year in February; the team split a doubleheader with Westminster last season on Feb. 27.

Hiram will look to get in the win column on Saturday, when it plays Albion at 2 p.m. and Penn State Behrend at 5 p.m. from VA Memorial Stadium.