Mountaineers Sweep Bluffton University in Thrilling Series
Game 1: Berea vs. Bluffton
The Berea College baseball team continued its action-packed weekend by hosting conference opponent Bluffton University. The Mountaineers struck first in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on a walk by Zach Hudson, followed by an RBI from Peter Torbicki. The score remained 1–0 until the fourth inning when Bluffton used a big offensive surge to plate six runs and take the lead.
Offensively, the Mountaineers recorded 11 hits as a team. Peter Torbicki led the way with four hits, while Zach Hudson, Sebastian Roman, and Ty Palmgren each contributed two hits. Additional hits came from Michael Mauney, Corbin Thacker, Giovanny Ortiz, and Miguel Serra. On the mound, Noah Madrid got the start, pitching four innings and allowing four runs. Aiden Blaszkowski provided an outstanding performance in relief, throwing five innings and giving up just two runs to help keep the Mountaineers within striking distance.
Game 2: Berea vs. Bluffton
The second game of the series showcased another strong effort from both teams in a competitive matchup. After holding Bluffton scoreless in the top of the first inning, the Mountaineers carried the momentum from the previous game and struck early with three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Zach Hudson led off with a single and later scored on an RBI by Ty Palmgren, while the other two runs came on bases-loaded walks.
The Mountaineers continued to apply offensive pressure, adding one run in the third inning and three more in the fourth to build a commanding 7–0 lead. Bluffton responded in the top of the fifth with four runs to cut the deficit to 7–4, but the Mountaineers answered right back in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI from Peter Torbicki to extend the lead.
Both teams added a run in the sixth inning, giving the Mountaineers a 9–5 advantage heading into the seventh. Berea tacked on another run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly by Zach Hudson. Bluffton made one final push in the top of the ninth, scoring three runs, but ultimately came up short as the Mountaineers secured a hard-fought 10–8 victory.
Offensively, the Mountaineers totaled 14 hits in the contest. Zach Hudson, Ty Palmgren, and Lawrence Griffey each recorded three hits, while Peter Torbicki added two of his own. Miguel Serra, Landen Griffey, and Michael Mauney each contributed one hit. On the mound, Gabriel Martinez earned the start for the Mountaineers and turned in an impressive outing, striking out eight batters over four innings of work.
Game 3: Berea vs. Bluffton
The third and final game of the series took place on Sunday at noon and provided plenty of excitement. Bluffton came out aggressive in an effort to avoid a series sweep, scoring nine runs over the first two innings to take early control of the game.
The Mountaineers quickly responded in the bottom of the second inning, plating four runs to cut the deficit to 9–4. Both teams continued to trade runs in the third, with Bluffton scoring once and the Mountaineers answering with three runs of their own to make it a 10–7 contest. Bluffton added another run in the fourth inning, but the Mountaineers responded in a huge way in the bottom half.
The offense exploded for nine runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Ty Palmgren, as the Mountaineers surged ahead 16–11. They added another run in the sixth to extend the lead, but Bluffton refused to go away quietly, scoring five runs in the top of the seventh to cut the score to 17–16.
The Mountaineers responded once again, scoring one run in the bottom of the seventh and two more in the eighth inning to create separation and secure an impressive 20–16 victory, completing the series sweep.
Offensively, the Mountaineers recorded 15 hits in the game. Giovanny Ortiz led the way with four hits and two RBIs, while Sebastian Roman added three hits and three RBIs. Miguel Serra and Ty Palmgren each collected two hits and combined to score six runs. Zach Hudson contributed a hit and an RBI while also drawing three walks and scoring three runs. Additional hits came from Michael Mauney, Landen Griffey, and Peter Torbicki, who also crossed the plate three times.
Next Up:
The Mountaineers will return to action this upcoming weekend as they travel to Lexington for a two-game series against conference leader Transylvania.
