DETROIT -- The Wayne State University baseball program (15-16, 9-9 GLAC) had its sights set on its first conference series victory on Sunday against Tiffin (13-20, 7-9 GLIAC) at WSU Baseball Field. However, similar to the previous four series, the Warriors captured a split. WSU hit three home runs and six total extra base hits to overpower the Dragons in game one 9-4. Tiffin pounded out 19 hits to cruise to a game two victory, 12-4.
Game One (W, 9-4)Kyle Zimmerman (Frankfort, Mich.) started the scoring in game one with a two-run home run to center field.
The Dragons responded with four runs in the top of the fourth inning including a two-run double from Seth Bryant.
Chris Horvath (Lakeshore, Ont. / St. Anne Catholic) (2-1) was able to work out of the inning with a ground out to second base.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, WSU regained the lead with four runs on three hits and a TU error. Nate Manis (Port Huron, Mich. / Port Huron Northern) drove home two runs with a double to left field and
Cole Clifton's (Sterling Heights. Mich. / De La Salle) second double in as many at-bats plated a run. A Zimmerman RBI single gave the Warriors a 6-4 advantage.
Jeff Sorenson (Livonia, Mich. / Stevenson) replaced Horvath to begin the fifth inning and would limit the Dragons to just one hit and no runs over three innings to earn his fourth save of the season.
With three doubles to his name, Clifton connected for his first home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning. Zimmerman hit his second home run of the game and drove in RBIs number four and five with a two-run blast over the wall in left center.
Horvath struck out four baters and walked two in his four innings of work while allowing four runs. Clifton and Zimmerman led the charge, going a combined 7-for-7 with three doubles, three home runs, seven RBI and five runs scored.
Game Two (L, 5-12)The Dragons scored in each of the first four innings including four runs on five hits in the top of the fourth inning.
WSU used three hits and two Dragon errors to plate two runs in the bottom of the third inning.
Griffin Harms (Bingham Farms, Mich. / Birmingham Groves) doubled home a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Warriors scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to trim deficit to 7-5.
Bradley Baldwin (Troy, Mich. / Bishop Foley Catholic) accounted for both runs with a two-run home run to right field.
Tiffin regained momentum the very next inning with two runs on two hits. The Dragons added three more runs in the top of the ninth inning to make the final score 12-5.
Starter
Alex Kinch (Ann Arbor, Mich. / Pioneer) (3-3) allowed six earned runs on 10 hits in his three 1/3 innings of work while collecting three strike outs. Four other Warriors pitchers combined to toss the remaining five 2/3 innings.
WSU will finish the regular season series with Saginaw Valley State on the road on Wednesday with a doubleheader beginning at 2 PM.