Hillsdale College fell behind early in the series opener on Saturday at host Missouri S&T, and couldn't battle their way back in a 6-2 defeat.
The host Miners took advantage of two hit-by-pitches and two timely singles to jump out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning, and held that lead the rest of the contest. Hillsdale continued to battle, cutting into the deficit in a big way in the top of the third, when Joe Hardenbergh's leadoff single and back-to-back walks allowed the Chargers to load the bases with no outs.
Cody Kanclerz drove a run home on a fielder's choice and Nick Stepke added another run on a single to cut Missouri S&T's lead to 3-2, but the Miners were able to get out of the inning without further damage, and added an insurance run in the bottom of the fourth and two more in the bottom of the sixth to pull away.
Hillsdale did have chances offensively, getting runners on second and third with two outs in the top of the fifth and seventh innings, but were unable to cash in. The Chargers made one final push in the top of the ninth with a one-out single by Hardenbergh and a double by Jaekob Sallee giving Hillsdale two runners in scoring position, but the Chargers just couldn't find the timely hit to get them home and put pressure on the Miners late.
Lewis Beals added a single for Hillsdale, which finished with just five hits in the contest. Will Gifford got the start and took the loss for the Chargers, striking out five and walking one in six innings of work, and Chad Stevens also pitched two scoreless innings of relief for Hillsdale (5-5).
The Chargers will look to bounce back on Sunday, with a doubleheader on tap against Missouri S&T. Hillsdale will finish the weekend series with a single game on Monday.
Photo Courtesy of Steve George