The Hillsdale College baseball team couldn't get the bats going against an experienced Wayne State pitching staff in a Saturday doubleheader at Ting Stadium in Holly Springs, North Carolina, falling 7-3 in a seven inning game and 10-2 in the nine-inning nightcal.

The Chargers jumped out to an early lead in the first game thanks to a three-run third inning, answering two runs by Wayne State in the bottom of the second. After a walk and a stolen base by Jaekob Sallee to lead off the inning, senior centerfielder Danny Passinault hit a single to drive him in, then freshman Will Millard hit a double in the next at-bat to advance Passinault to third. Senior Jeff Landis hit a sacrifice fly to score Passinault and tie the game, and Rocco Tenuta hit a RBI single to score Millard and put the Chargers out in front.

Wayne State answered back in the bottom of the third, however, tying the game at 3-all, and scored four runs over the next three innings as Hillsdale had just one hit and two baserunners over the final four innings.

Tenuta went 2 for 2 at the plate to lead the Chargers, who had just five hits in the contest. Devin Murray took the loss in relief for Hillsdale, striking out two, walking one and giving up three runs in two and a third innings of work, while Tommy MacLean started and also struck out two, walked one and gave up three runs in two and two-thirds innings. Freshman Hayden Hoffpauir pitched an inning of relief as well for Hillsdale.

In the nightcap, the Chargers fell behind 3-0 in the first inning and were unable to battle back in a 10-2 loss. Senior Kaden Nowak, making his first start at third base, was 2 for 3 with two doubles at the plate, driving in Nate Waligora on a double in the top of the third inning, and scoring on a Danny Passinault single after hitting a double in the sixth inning. Jeff Landis also hit a double for the Chargers, who had four hits in the contest.

Freshman Luke Miller took the loss for the Chargers on the mound, pitching two innings with two strikeouts and four walks, while fellow freshman Jacob Pallo piched two innings of relief with three strikeouts as well. Josh Novak, Drew Erdei, and Brendan Pochmara all pitched in relief as well for Hillsdale.

The Chargers (0-3) will take on Wayne State in one seven inning game on Sunday at 11 a.m., looking to avoid the sweep at the hands of the Warriors and get a win to close out opening weekend.

Photo by Steve George