Late Rally Falls Short Against Bluffton

The Heidelberg College baseball team plated five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to pull within a run, 12-11, but could not get any closer and consequently dropped a non-conference game to visiting Bluffton University. The loss drops Heidelberg to 23-7 overall, while Bluffton improves to 12-15.

Heidelberg faced an early 3-0 deficit after two innings, but responded with six runs in the third to take control of the ballgame, 6-3. Its big third inning featured six hits highlighted by a Matt Grassley (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich. / Grosse Pointe North) three-run home run to left field.

However, Bluffton held the Berg scoreless over the next four innings, while taking over the scoreboard en route to the victory. The Beavers scored nine runs to hold a commanding 12-6 lead heading into the bottom half of the eighth.

In the eighth Heidelberg took advantage of a shaken Beaver pitching staff. Heidelberg’s lead off hitter popped out, but Jason Lash (Strongsville, Ohio / Strongsville) reached on an error followed by Grassley who was hit by a pitch. Both Lash and Grassley would advance a base on a wild pitch and eventually scored on a two RBI single from Alex Monroe (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Kenston). Heidelberg scored three runs on back-to-back doubles from Jack Bault (Randolph, Ohio / Waterloo) and Jeremy Wentworth (Johnstown, Ohio / St. Charles) to pull within 12-11, but the Berg could not overcome the Beavers.

Suffering the loss on the mound was Brian Koehl (Sylvania, Ohio / Sylvania Northview). Koehl threw 4.1 innings, giving up nine hits and seven earned runs, while striking out two batters. The loss is his first on the year and he now stands at 3-1.

Leading the way for Heidelberg at the plate was Grassley who went 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored. Grassley picked up his third home run on the year. Also finishing with two hits was Wentworth and Gar Keen (Fredericktown, Ohio / Highland). Wentworth, along with Monroe each knocked in two runs apiece.

Heidelberg returns to action at Baldwin-Wallace College on Saturday, April 19. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.