GREENVILLE, Pa. – Cody Trinch (Franklin, Pa./Franklin) hit his first career home run, a solo shot in the fifth inning, but it wasn't enough for the Thiel College baseball team, which lost a 4-3 Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) game to Waynesburg University Tuesday afternoon.
The Tomcats jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first, as Trinch led off with a single to left field and promptly stole second. Nick Schiavoni (Boiling Spring, Pa./Trinity) followed with a single that advanced Trinch to third, and Matt Elko (Middlefield, Ohio/Berkshire)'s RBI-groundout gave Thiel their first run of the contest. After a Trent Smith (Franklin, Pa./Franklin) infield single, Sam Passafiume (Medina, Ohio/Medina) lifted his 3-2 offering into left field to score Schiavoni to put Thiel ahead 2-0.
The Waynesburg Yellow Jackets answered, scoring two runs in both the third and fourth to take a 4-2 lead through four innings.
Thiel closed the gap to 4-3 when Trinch connected on a one-out, solo home run on the first pitch of his at-bat in the top of the fifth inning.
The Tomcats again threatened in the top of the sixth, but the Jackets pitched out of the two-on, two-out jam to end the threat and effectively seal the win.
Trinch led the Tomcats at the plate with a 3-for-4 day while Schiavoni and Smith collected two hits apiece. Eric Crum and Brent Shorthouse led the Jackets with a pair of base hits each.
Riley Schwertz (Zelienople, Pa./Freedom) took the loss. He pitched three and 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, three of which were earned, on five hits. He struck out five and walked two. Connor Furwa picked up the win. He threw five and 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits while walking one.
The Tomcats (6-11, 0-7 PAC) will return to action Thursday when they host Allegheny College. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.