Wayne State University’s baseball team faced Ashland University in the RussMatt Central Florida Invitational, resulting in a 9-7 loss. The game, held in Winter Haven, Florida, saw Wayne State taking an early lead when Owen Tuccinardi singled to bring Bennett Hitzelberger home. However, Ashland responded with two runs in the first inning and another in the second.
The Warriors regained control with a five-run third inning. Tony Hatzigeorgiou’s bases-loaded double brought three runners home, followed by Logan Van Sicklen’s two-run homer. Despite this effort, Ashland managed to take back the lead with four runs over the next two innings.
Wayne State tied the game again at 7-7 after Mason McGuire scored off a sacrifice fly from Tuccinardi. Yet, Ashland’s Sean Krueckeberg and Sam Witt hit consecutive solo home runs in the sixth inning to secure their victory.
Gavin Nash started for Wayne State, pitching four innings and allowing seven earned runs on eight hits. TJ McAllister took the loss after giving up two more runs on three hits. Carson Tehan and Ethan Getting pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings for Wayne State.
Wayne State will continue its participation in the tournament with a doubleheader against Point Park scheduled for Friday morning.
