Wittenberg Takes Game One of Series with Hope, 5–2

SPRINGFIELD, OH — Wittenberg opened its three-game series with Hope with a 5–2 victory on Friday, using a strong response inning and solid pitching to secure the win.

Hope struck first, scoring two runs in the top of the third inning to take an early lead. The Tigers answered immediately in the bottom half, putting together a three-run frame to swing the momentum. Alex Nemunaitis (Perrysburg, OH / Ottawa Hills) got things started with a single before Xander Rodriguez (Salinas, PR / Franklin County) launched a two-run home run for his team-leading sixth of the season. Quintin Applegate (Delaware, OH / Olentangy Berlin) followed with a triple and later came around to score on an error, giving Wittenberg a 3–2 advantage.

The Tigers added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings to extend the lead to 5–2 and maintain control the rest of the way.

On the mound, Wade Thewes (Parker, CO / Lutheran) delivered a strong performance, earning the win after throwing six innings while allowing six hits and just one earned run. Mikey Eickoff (Akron, OH / St. Vincent-St. Mary) provided excellent relief, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings and surrendering only one hit. Zach Rust (Dublin, OH / Dublin Coffman) entered with one out in the ninth and closed the door, recording a strikeout to end the game.

Offensively, Rodriguez led the way, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI, while Charlie Marando (Dublin, OH / Scioto) added a 2-for-4 performance at the plate.

Wittenberg, which is now 12-5 on the season, will return to action tomorrow as the two teams conclude the series with a doubleheader.