Box Score HIRAM, Ohio – The Thiel College baseball team rallied, but its comeback attempt came up just short, falling 7-6 to the Hiram College Terriers Tuesday at Fishel Field.

The Tomcats fall to 12-20 with the decision, while the Terriers improve to 11-15 overall.

Sophomore first baseman Sam Passafiume (Medina, Ohio/Medina) led the Tomcats offensive effort going 2-for-2 with two doubles and two runs driven in, while sophomore center fielder Matt Elko (Middlefield, Ohio/Berkshire) finished 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a RBI.

The Terriers built a 2-0 lead over the first three innings of play by putting up a run in the bottom of the first and third. The Tomcats got back into the game during their half of the fourth inning with a solo run that trimmed their deficit down to just one run.

The Tomcats got on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth, as sophomore left fielder Bryan Mitchell (Cleveland, Ohio/Padua Franciscan) led off the frame with a single into right field, and advanced to second on a bunt single by junior shortstop Cody Trinch (Franklin, Pa./Franklin). After Mitchell and Trinch stole third and second, respectively, sophomore first baseman Trent Smith (Franklin, Pa./Franklin) walked to load the bases for Elko. Elko put the ball on the ground, allowing Mitchell to race home for Thiel's first run of the contest.
 
Hiram added to it's lead with a run in the fifth and sixth, taking a 4-1 advantage through six innings.
 
The Tomcats responded with a four run seventh. Smith opened the stanza with a walk, and Elko singled through the left side of the infield to move Smith to second. Both Elko and Smith advanced on a one-out wild pitch, and sophomore third baseman Brian Genco (Strongsville, Ohio/Strongsville) drew a walk to load the bases for the pinch-hitting Passafiume. The sophomore from Medina, Ohio didn't disappoint, driving a double to the gap that scored two. Senior second baseman Matt Fedzen (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Catholic) followed with a RBI-single to plate two more, giving Thiel a 5-4 lead.
 
The Terriers went right back to work, scoring three runs on two hits and two walks to regain a 7-5 lead.
 
Down to their final three outs in the top of the ninth, Passafiume again doubled to open the Tomcats turn at the plate. After Hiram recorded the first out of the inning, Mitchell roped a single up the middle to score Passafiume and draw Thiel to within one, 7-6. Unfortunately, the Terriers were able to retire the next two Tomcats to seal the win.

Junior Parker Meyers (Bethel Park, Pa./Bethel Park) made the start for the Blue and Gold and threw five innings, allowing three runs, two of which were earned, on nine hits while striking out four. Sophomore Pat Duncan (Eastlake, Ohio/Eastlake North) (3-3) was saddled with the loss, throwing two innings, allowing four earned runs on three hits. Sophomore Riley Schwertz (Zelienople, Pa./Freedom) threw a one-hit ninth in relief of Duncan.
 
The Tomcats return to Presidents' Athletic Conference play on Friday, April 25 with a nine-inning contest at Bethany College. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.