Eastern Wayne Today

Wayne State University secured a narrow victory against Florida Southern College with a late score in the ninth inning, winning 4-3. Gabe Zeldes executed a safety squeeze bunt, allowing Tony Hatzigeorgiou to score from third base, which broke the 3-3 tie. Following this play, Florida Southern was unable to respond in their final turn at bat.

The win improved Wayne State's record to 10-13, while Florida Southern dropped to 22-2 overall and 17-2 at home. Wayne State's pitchers played crucial roles in the game. Starter Bennett Hitzelberger allowed three runs over four innings but only two were earned. Reliever Ethan Getting delivered five scoreless innings and claimed his first victory as a Warrior.

Wayne State initiated the game strongly with three runs in the first inning. The scoring started with Hitzelberger reaching home on a fielder’s choice by Hatzigeorgiou. Owen Tuccinardi added another run following a throwing error by the pitcher, and Jacoby Dale drove in Hatzigeorgiou with a single.

Florida Southern responded with one run in their half of the first inning and tied it up with two more runs in the fourth. The game remained tied until Wayne State's decisive action in the ninth inning.

In that crucial moment, Hatzigeorgiou led off with a walk and advanced bases through strategic plays by his teammates before Zeldes sealed the win for Wayne State.