By Mallory Kemper, sports information intern
The Bluffton University baseball team plated runs in five innings, including a six-run third inning and a four-run fourth as the Beavers beat Heartland Conference opponent Earlham College 15-3 on April 12, 2011. Bluffton improved to 2-9 in the HCAC and 10-16 overall with their second victory over Earlham in as many weeks. The Quakers slipped to 11-13 on the season and 4-7 in the conference.
Bluffton put three runs on the scoreboard in the first inning with a Nick Broyles (Toledo/Whitmer) three-run homer for a 3-0 Bluffton lead. In the third inning Bluffton put an impressive six runs on the scoreboard, starting off with a Kyle Niermann (Napoleon) long ball.
Freshman catcher Tim Webb (Delaware/Worthington Christian) stepped to the plate and hit a single to shortstop. Tyler Wright (Troy) knocked in Airic Steagall (Hillsboro) with an RBI triple to center field. Anthony Cianci (Ravenna/Southeast) singled to left, scoring Tyler Stephenson (Springfield/Northwestern) as the Beavers went ahead 9-0 after just three frames.
In the fourth inning the Beavers put up another four runs for a 13-0 lead. Webb started the inning off with a single to center field. Wright followed with another single, adding two more RBI. The Quakers scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning, but couldn't fight back as the Bluffton won 15-3 in HCAC action.
Tyler Wright went 3-of-5 at the plate, knocking in four runs. Nick Broyles finished 3-of-5 with four RBI and four runs scored. Tim Webb added three runs on three hits.
Sophomore starter Miles Richardson (Granville/Newark Catholic), who improved to 2-1 on the year, went five strong innings, giving up seven hits and three runs. Freshmen Kyle Stover (Tipp City/Tippecanoe) and Sam Seibert (Springfield/Shawnee) combined to throw four shutout innings while allowing just one hit.
Bluffton jumps right back into HCAC action when the Beavers host Franklin College on Friday, April 15. The contest is slated to start at 4 p.m.
