By Kara Gilley, Manchester University Sports Information Student Assistant

DEFIANCE, OHIO- With several players registering multiple-hit outings, and freshman starting pitcher Mason Neuman (Fort Wayne, Ind.) weaving a solid six innings on the mound,  Manchester University exploded to a 23-9 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory Wednesday April 22, over Defiance College of Ohio.

Neuman, who now stands at 3-3 on the season, relied on the abundant run support provided by the Spartans to hold the Yellow Jackets to only three earned runs off eight hits. He spun two strikeouts to conclude his night.

Utilizing a big two out attack, the MU offense exploded early by putting eight runs up on the board in the first inning, aided by a three run home run by junior shortstop Trevor Kimm (Anderson, Ind.). Kimm ended his day two-for-four with five RBIs. Identical to Kimm, junior center fielder Kyle Norris (Indianapolis, Ind.) matched Kimm's three-run shot with one of his own in the sixth to push Manchester University (21-11, 15-4 HCAC) to a sizeable lead over last-place Defiance (8-24, 2-17 HCAC). Norris finished the night two-for-four with three RBIs.

MU continues HCAC play with a weekend series at Earlham College Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27. Game times are 12 p.m. each day at EC's Randal R. Sadler Stadium.

NOTES: With their offensive effort, the Spartans scored the program's most runs in a game since April 2011, when they beat Defiance College 23-4…This is the third time this season a Spartan has had five RBIs in one game. It's the second time Kimm has achieved this, both times facing Defiance…With Anderson's extra inning win against Rose Hulman figured in, Manchester now stands three games ahead of the Ravens and four games ahead of the Engineers atop the HCAC.