Story by Alec Robinette
WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College baseball team heads out as it faces off against Wittenberg University in a single game on Monday. Following today's game, the Fightin' Quakers return home as they host Thomas More College in a single-game series on Tuesday.
The Schedule: The Fightin' Quakers are scheduled for a single game series against the Wittenberg Tigers at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. Wilmington is then to host Thomas More on Tuesday afternoon in a single game matchup scheduled for 4 p.m.
The Teams: Wilmington (8-11) looks to turn things around after a rough ending to the weekend as they dropped two against Oberlin College on Sunday. Wittenberg sits at 4-13 on the season after a 5-4 extra innings loss against Bluffton. Thomas More aims to continue its win streak after the 10-3 win over Marietta making the Saints 5-7 on the season so far.
The Coaches: Dan Cleaver is in his sixth season with the Quakers baseball team; the previous four seasons have been as head coach. Head coach Brian McGee is in his second season at the helm of the Tigers baseball program aiming to rebuild their winning traditions. Coach Jeff Hetzer is in his 18th at the helm of the Saints baseball team and is the programs all – time winningest coach.
Hitters to Watch: Sophomore Nick Silvis and Junior Joshua Chua. Hitting out the leadoff spot, Silvis simply gets on base as he not only leads the team in OBP (on-base percentage) at .430 but he is also hitting a .343 average with 11 BBs and eight RBIs. Chua, like Silvis, gets on base with his .418 OBP, and his .333 batting average. Chua has also picked up a team leading 17 RBIs so far as well as seven doubles. Junior Tiger Matt Baker aims to continue his success as he is hitting a team high .344 on the season as well as picking up 14 RBIs and five stolen bases. Junior catcher Sam Hauer is hitting .425 for the Saints through 11 games this season and has picked up nine RBIs as well as 7 runs scored through those 11 games.
Pitchers to Watch: Sophomore Lance Fleischman has thrown 17.1 innings so far for the Quakers and has an ERA of 3.12 through five appearances and has struck out 10 batters along the way. Junior Joey Hollback as well has five appearances on the season and has thrown 22 innings gathering a 2.86 ERA and leads the team with 20 strikeouts on the season. Freshman right – hander Tanner Griggs is 1-2 in his five starts this season and has thrown 26.2 innings so far and has struck out a total of 33 batters, both in which lead the team. Freshman Jordan Houze is 2-0 through his two starts for the Saints this season and has an ERA of a 1.13, as well as picking up eight strikeouts.
Series History: The Fightin' Quakers are just 4-6 against the Tigers since the 2009–10 season. Thomas More undefeated against Wilmington as they are 4-0 since the 2013–14 season.
Coverage: Live stats will be provided for both matchups, live video will be available only for Tuesday's matchup against Thomas More – visit links above.
Up Next: After Tuesday's matchup, Wilmington is back to conference play as they take on John Carroll University at home in a two–game series on Friday afternoon with the first game beginning at 1 p.m. and the nightcap beginning at 4 p.m.
