May 6, 2016
LEXINGTON, Ky. - The Bluffton University baseball team knotted the score at 4-4 with three runs in the top of the eighth, but Transylvania took the series opener with a walkoff sacrifice fly to center an inning later for a 5-4 victory on a beautiful Friday, May 6, 2016. Transylvania upped its mark to 20-16 overall and 16-8 in the Heartland Conference, while Bluffton fell to 15-23 and 8-17 in the HCAC.
A Brandon Marable (Centerville) fielder's choice in the top of the second plated Tanner Hamilton (Columbus/Hamilton Township) for a 1-1 score but Transylvania made it 4-1 with two tallies in the fourth and another in the fifth.
The Beavers threatened with two hits in the seventh, leaving the bases loaded, before a three-run eighth made it a 4-4 game heading to final frame. Clayton Siders (Delaware/Worthington Christian) singled and scored before Jason Colliver (Beavercreek) tripled and Austin Prosser (Galion) homered, making it a new game.
The Pioneers tripled to lead off the ninth and a sacrifice fly two batters later ended the game with two outs in the bottom of the frame.
Prosser drove in two runs and Hamilton went 2-of-4 to pace the Bluffton offense. Junior Dyson Bowman (Coshocton) struck out eight and allowed four runs in five innings of work but did not factor in the decision. Taylor Gambrell (Bowling Green) tossed three shutout innings before Travis Clark (Lima/Central Catholic) took the loss when he allowed the lone run in the ninth.
Bluffton's season will come to a close on Saturday when the Beavers play their final doubleheader against the Pioneers. The first game of the day is slated for 12 p.m.
-BEAVERS-
