TIFFIN – The Heidelberg University baseball team was back to their winning ways on Thurday, knocking off La Roche College in a non-conference matchup. The Student Princes made a big rally in the bottom of the fourth and never looked back, holding on for a 12-9 victory. It was the final non-conference game for the Berg, as they now look forward to a doubleheader on Saturday with #20 Ohio Northern with the OAC Championship on the line.
After starting pitcher Alex Simun sat down the Redhawks in order in the fisrt and Heidelberg quickly took the lead.
Eric Monroe absolutely clobbered a ball to left field for a solo home run, clearing the wall with plenty of room to spare for the 1-0 lead.
La Roche was able to battle back, however, and took a 2-1 lead to the bottom of the fourth.
The Berg had a response and went for seven runs in the inning to take a commanding lead. Derek Hug, Joey Rydzewski, and Doug Miller each drove in a pair of runs in the inning as the Student Princes took an 8-2 lead.
The Redhawks chipped away as the game went on and trailed just 8-6 going to the bottom of the seventh, but once again, Heidelberg responded.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Berg scored four times, highlighted by a two-RBI single off the bat of Steven Morse to give the Student Princes a 12-6 advantage.
La Roche was able to plate three in the top of the ninth, but it was not enough as the sixth-ranked Student Princes held on for the 12-9 victory.
Monroe led the way for Heidelberg offensively, tying for the team-high with three hits while driving in a pair. Rydzewski led the team with three RBI in the victory.
Simun (3-0) had another day with great run support, but on this day he pitched very effectively to earn the win. He finished his day on the mound throwing six innings while allowing just six hits and no walks while striking out three. He gave up three runs with only two being earned.
UP NEXT
Heidelberg will face off with Ohio Northern for a doubleheader on Saturday on a busy day at Peaceful Valley. With at least one win in the pair of games, the Student Princes would clinch the outright regular-season OAC title and would earn the right to host the OAC Tournament, which takes place next weekend. The doubleheader with the Polar Bears is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. in Tiffin.