Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's baseball team returned to action after a two-week hiatus, competing against Ohio Dominican at Wright State's Nischwitz Stadium in Dayton, Ohio. The Warriors managed a split in the first doubleheader of their four-game series, securing a 5-3 victory in the opener before dropping the second game 13-8.

In the first game, Wayne State initiated scoring with two runs in the top of the first inning. Tony Hatzigeorgiou singled to drive in Drew Hill and later scored on a throwing error by Ohio Dominican's catcher. The Warriors extended their lead in the sixth inning when Jacoby Dale doubled to bring Mason McGuire home and Logan Van Sicklen hit his second home run of the season.

Ohio Dominican attempted a comeback with a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning but fell short as Wayne State closed out the game successfully. Evan Langlois started for Wayne State, pitching three innings and allowing two earned runs. Gabe Nazelli relieved him, giving up one earned run over 3.2 innings and earning his first collegiate win. Rocco Cardinale secured his first career save.

The second game saw Ohio Dominican jump ahead with five runs in the bottom of the first without recording any hits, thanks to six walks and two hit batsmen. Wayne State responded by narrowing the gap with four runs in their half of the second inning, highlighted by Bennett Hitzelberger's bases-loaded double.

Despite leveling the score at 6-6, Wayne State could not maintain momentum as Ohio Dominican added seven more runs across subsequent innings. Although Brady Blakita contributed late with an RBI double, it was not enough to close the deficit.

Keegan Pulford-Thorpe started on the mound for Wayne State in game two, followed by appearances from Robert Klann—who took his first loss—Coy Plummer, and Will DeMasse.

The teams are set to face off again on Tuesday for another doubleheader starting at noon.