Tigers Split Two-Game Set With Bethany (W.V)

Xenia, OH- Wittenberg Baseball opened its doubleheader against Bethany College (W.V.) at Athletes in Action in Xenia, Ohio, with a strong performance, securing a 3-1 victory in Game 1. The Tigers showcased a solid all-around effort, with timely hitting and a strong defensive presence. Pitching played a pivotal role in the win, as Wittenberg's staff kept Bethany's batters at bay throughout the contest.

Starting on the mound for the Tigers was junior Andrew Rust (Dublin, OH/Dublin Coffman) who only went one inning, surrendered one hit while striking out two. Coming out in relief for the Tigers were senior Kyle Mahon (Dayton, OH/Centerville), senior Owen Treece (Van Wert, OH/Van Wert), sophomore Tommy Anthony (Toronto, Ontario/Humberside Colllegiate Institute), and senior Charlie Schafer (Beavercreek, OH/Beavercreek). Tiger pitching accounted for 16 strikeouts in the game, while walking three and allowing just three hits. Mahon was credited was the win and Schafer was given the save while also recording his 100th career strikeout.

The scoring started for the Tigers with an RBI triple by junior Parker Gryskevich (Brown, IN/Brownsburg) in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded, sophomore Xander Rodriguez (Salinas. PR/ Franklin County), and graduate Luke Thomas (Tallmadge, OH/Tallmadge) were both credited with RBIs.

In Game 2, the scoreless tie continued into the fourth inning, as Wittenberg starter Mikey Eickhoff (Akron, OH / St. Vincent-St. Mary) threw three scoreless innings without allowing a single hit or walk while striking out five. To start the fourth, the Tigers turned to freshman pitcher Chris Dawson (Loveland, OH / Milford). After recording the first out of the fourth, the Bethany hitters dialed in on Dawson and collected multiple extra-base hits that propelled them to two runs in the inning before Schafer closed things out. He threw two and two-thirds innings, striking out five and allowing no runs on only two hits. Gavin Lones (Lakeview, OH / Indian Lake) came in for the seventh inning and struck out two of the three batters he faced without allowing a hit.

Heading into the last half of the seventh inning, the Tigers still trailed by two. To give them a jump-start, the Tigers inserted Gryskevich, who hit a double and ended up scoring on two wild pitches to cut the lead to one. Then, freshman Zach Meyer (Powell, OH / Olentangy Liberty), who was also a pinch hitter, walked before the Tigers inserted pinch runner Jalen Williams (Cantonsville, MD / Western Tech). After another walk and a single, the bases were loaded for Wittenberg and with only one out they trailed by a single run. Unfortunately, a grounder was hit to the third baseman, who threw home for the second out, and the play was made at first for a double play to end the game and hand the Tigers their first loss of the season.

After splitting the doubleheader, Bethany wins its first game of the season to move to 1-2, while Wittenberg stands at 2-1. The Tigers next game is against Immaculata on Saturday, March 1st at 1:15 PM in Winchester, Virginia at the Shenandoah Invitational.

Written By: Ben Glassman '28