Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – A pair of hard-fought, one-run Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) baseball games were on display Sunday afternoon at Fishbaugh Field, with Otterbein overcoming an initial 2-1 loss against Heidelberg and salvaging a split by way of a 4-3 victory in the rematch.

The first outing progressed in an eerily similar fashion to last season's game-one showdown between the schools, which saw Heidelberg win a 2-0 matchup on a go-ahead single from second baseman Evan Long in the eighth inning.

The 2018 version went almost the same as a pitcher's duel featuring Otterbein No. 1 Craig Prince took place one again. Prince and Heidelberg lefty Trevor Adkins both kept the opposition scoreless through seven frames before a few twists and turns occurred.

Otterbein appeared to have converted a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play in the top of the eighth as first baseman Luke Barber stretched for the relay throw. An umpire meeting later ruled the batter was safe, bringing the Cardinal defense back out onto the field needing to secure a third out.

Heidelberg (15-7, 3-3 OAC) took advantage of the second chance at the top of their lineup with a bunt single, two runners advancing on a wild pitch, a walk and then Long blooping a 2-RBI single into shallow left field.

Otterbein didn't go quietly, getting an RBI-single from pinch hitter Dmitri Collaros with two outs in the ninth before Heidelberg shortstop Joey Rydzewski ended the game with an over-the-shoulder grab on a popup to the outfield grass.

Prince was impressive despite having to take the loss, tossing a complete game and matching his career-high of 12 strikeouts (set last season against Heidelberg). He allowed just four hits but did hit four batters. Catcher Justin Feltner went 3 for 4 in the contest with a pair of doubles.

Otterbein came out swinging to begin the rematch, taking an instant 1-0 lead after shortstop Ben Beachy led off the bottom of the first with a solo homer to right field. Heidelberg tied the game in the third but the Cards grabbed the lead right back, using long sac-fly RBI from Bryan Stopar and Connor Brett after teammates Tyler Thompson and Luke Barber singled to start the sequence.

The Student Princes drew even with consecutive runs in the fourth and fifth innings, ultimately leading to a 3-3 score as the game hit the seventh-inning stretch. Beachy would be the difference maker once again by launching a towering, go-ahead, solo blast down the left-field line that dinged off the foul pole. He now has four home runs in the past three games after entering this season with just two for his college career.

Otterbein sophomore right-hander Collin Hoffmann would help preserve the narrow margin by tossing a strong three innings of relief, allowing just one hit and facing the minimum to earn the win. He has a 2-0 record this year and is limiting opponents to a .179 average at the dish.

Senior Stevie Yuran took a no-decision as the starter, surrendering just two earned runs and striking out five over his six frames on the hill. Outfielder Tyler Thompson, hitting out of the second spot, went a perfect 4 for 4 in the game and is now batting .380 so far this spring.

Otterbein is scheduled to play five road games this week, traveling to Wilmington (Tuesday) and Capital (Saturday) for OAC doubleheaders sandwiched around a non-conference games against Transylvania at Whitaker Bank Pallpark on Thursday night.