Win-Streak Ends in Springfield for the Berg

After six-straight wins, the Heidelberg College baseball fell to Wittenberg College 9-5 in Springfield, Ohio. Heidelberg now stands at 15-5 for the season, while Wittenberg rises to 9-7.

Wittenberg got off to an early start, jumping out in front with one run in the first. It resulted from a sacrifice fly from Matt Steinke to centerfield which allowed Jeremy Fruhwirth to run in from third. The Tigers went on to score three more in the third, but not before Heidelberg managed to cross one of its own over the plate in the top of the inning. The Student Princes followed up in the fourth with another run thanks to a solo shot by Steve Decker (Maumee, Ohio / Springfield), but Wittenberg increased its lead further by driving in two additional runs in the bottom of the fourth and again in the bottom of the fifth. The Tigers last run of the game came in the seventh.

Heidelberg’s began to rally in the eighth when J. J. Ciennik (Waterford, Mich. / Waterford Mott) singled to drive Willie Brechun (Canton, Ohio / Canton Central Catholic) across the plate, followed by Decker who doubled to and received two RBIs as Ciennik and Cody James (Belle Center, Ohio / Benjamin Logan) ran home. The inning ended, however, and Heidelberg just could not manage another run for the contest, resulting in the loss.

For the day, Jason Lash (Strongsville, Ohio / Strongsville) led the Berg by going 3-for-4 at the plate, while Decker contributed two hits, one run, and three RBIs. Lash also led the team with six assists from shortstop, while Biagio Boytim (Brunswick, Ohio / Brunswick) racked up the most put outs for the Berg at first with 10. Everett Thomas (Evansville, Ind. / Harrison) commanded the mound for 4.1 innings and took the loss for Heidelberg. Andy Lowe (Fort Wayne, Ind. / Carroll) came in as relief for the remaining 3.2 innings.

Heidelberg hits the field again on Saturday, April 5, at Otterbein College in Westerville, Ohio for an Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader. Play is set to begin at 1 p.m.