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The Tiffin University Dragons (22-13, 17-11 GMAC) split the doubleheader against Findlay today, ending the four-game series tied at 2-2.
Game One:
The Dragons got on the board in the first inning as Griffin Stevens and Tim Orr hit back-to-back doubles to lead 1-0. In the second inning, Tiffin had runners on second and third as Marino Pugnetti singled down the left-field line to score both runners to lead 3-0 early.
The Oilers got on the board in the bottom of the second, scoring two runs to cut the Dragons lead down to 3-2.
In the fourth inning, the Oilers scored five runs to take a 7-3 lead on six hits and one error.
Tiffin mounted its comeback, scoring one in the fifth when Kyle Vance reached on an error with the bases loaded to score Pugnetti from third, and scored three more runs on the back of a two-run home run from Thomas Auth, and an error by the centerfielder allowed Pugnetti to score from second to tie the game at 7-7.
The Oilers scored in the seventh with a double from the lead-off hitter and two consecutive flyouts to lead 8-7 and claim the win over Tiffin.
Marino Pugnetti did well at the plate, going 2-for-3, scoring two runs, and driving in two more. Thomas Auth did well as a pinch hitter with a home run on his lone at-bat to score two runs for the Dragons.
Game Two:
Tiffin was dominant in game two and registered two innings where they scored eight runs.
The Dragons scored one in the first on a sacrifice fly from Vance to score Jake Shier. They then scored two in the second inning with a two-run home run to lead Findlay 3-0. The Oilers rallied in the bottom of the second to score three runs as well, tying the game at 3-3.
Then, the Dragons' offense caught fire as they went on to score eight runs in that inning. First, Nich Green was walked with the bases loaded to force a pitching change. Then, Pugnetti singled to score Auth and Vance. After walking Danny Donnelly, Stevens reached on an error by the right fielder to score all three runners. Finally, Orr homered to right field to score Stevens to complete the eight-run inning.
Tiffin scored two more runs in the fifth off a double from Stevens to score the runner on first. Next, Orr flew out to center field to score Stevens from third.
The Dragons scored 11 more runs, one in the seventh, eight in the eighth, and two in the ninth to take the 24-4 win.
Tim Orr went 3-for-3, scored two runs, and had four RBI, Marino Pugnetti went 4-for-6 with four runs, and four RBI, and Colin BeDell went 2-for-2, scored one run, and collected three RBI.
Gunnar Boehm pitched well as he went 6.0 innings, allowed four runs, three earned off seven hits, and struck out 11.