Tigers Close Spring Break Trip with 14–3 Win Over Hampden-Sydney
HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA – The Wittenberg Tigers wrapped up their Spring Break trip in dominant fashion, defeating Hampden-Sydney 14–3 in seven innings on Sunday. After dropping both ends of a doubleheader on Saturday against nationally ranked Christopher Newport, the Tiger offense picked back up as every starter recorded at least one hit in the victory.
Wittenberg jumped out to an early lead and steadily built momentum throughout the game. The Tigers carried a 5-2 advantage into the fifth inning before breaking the game wide open with a seven-run frame that put the contest out of reach.
In the explosive fifth inning, Quintin Applegate (Delaware, OH / Olentangy Berlin) started the scoring with an RBI single. Gavin Lones (Bellefontaine, OH / Indian Lake) followed with a two-RBI single, while Landon Turner (Tipp City, OH / Tippecanoe) added an RBI double. Xander Rodriguez (Salinas, PR / Franklin County) capped off the rally with an RBI single, highlighting the Tigers' offensive attack.
The Tigers totaled 14 runs on a strong collective effort at the plate. Cam Gladden (Galena, OH / Big Walnut) led the way, going 3-for-4 with a double and a triple. Rodriguez also had a big day, finishing 3-for-4 with two doubles. Corbin Marshall (Doylestown, OH / Chippewa) added three hits in five at-bats, while Lones went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Applegate chipped in two hits and drove in three runs.
On the mound, Tommy Chilicki (Lewis Center, OH / Olentangy) got the start and worked four innings, allowing two earned runs while keeping the Hampden-Sydney offense in check. Riley Kearns (Vermilion, OH / Vermilion) followed with three innings of relief, giving up just one earned run to secure the victory.
The win continues an impressive offensive stretch for Wittenberg. Through March 13, among teams that have played at least 10 games, the Tigers rank No. 1 in the nation in team batting average, continuing their impressive offensive production.
Wittenberg will return to Ohio and resume action on Thursday, March 19, when the Tigers travel to Wilmington for a 3:30 p.m. first pitch.
Written by: Luke Thomas