Muskingum splits doubleheader with Hiram

The Muskingum baseball team fell to Hiram in game one of its doubleheader on Saturday, 6-3. In game two, the Muskies defeated the Terriers, 8-5.

• Records: Muskingum (4-7 overall), Hiram (3-8 overall)
• Location: New Concord, Ohio - Mose Morehead Field

Senior Evan Hinds started on the mound for Muskingum in the first game and pitched four innings. Hinds allowed three runs on eight hits and tallied two strikeouts.

The Muskies took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning when junior Holden Martin doubled to left field, bringing in freshman Chayce Lundell. Then, senior Ben Van Wey singled, driving in Martin. Hiram responded in the top of the third with one run to make it 2-1. In the bottom of the third, freshman Brett Carson singled to left field, allowing freshman Trey Yoder to cross the plate. The Terriers gained momentum in the top of the fourth inning by scoring two runs to tie the game 3-3. Hiram went on to score three more runs en route to its road win.

Junior Josh Bigrigg pitched 3.2 innings in game two. Bigrigg secured his first win of the season, allowing only one run on two hits and striking out three batters.

Hiram took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, but Muskingum retaliated in the bottom of the second. Here, freshman Sam Pinckert batted in Lundell to tie the game 1-1. Then, Yoder walked to drive in junior Ashton Budzinski from third base. The Terriers put up two runs in the top of the sixth inning, gaining a 4-2 edge. In the bottom of the sixth, sophomore Matt Stewart singled to right field, allowing Pinckert and Budzinski to score. Then, Carson singled to drive home Van Wey and Stewart. Hiram managed to score one run in the top of the eighth, but the Muskies were quick to respond in their next at-bat. Senior Marc Ibarra smashed a double to center field, bringing in Yoder. Then, Lundell singled to left field, driving in Carson to make it 8-5. Muskingum's defense, led by Bigrigg, halted the Terriers in the top of the ninth, securing the win for the Muskies.

The Muskies next host Penn State-Behrend for a doubleheader on Sunday, March 17. Game times are slated for 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.