LEXINGTON, Ky. - The University of Chicago baseball team bounced back with a dominant 11-2 victory over Wisconsin-Oshkosh in a one-sided contest, showcasing a powerful all-around performance. The Maroons combined stellar pitching with timely hitting, as they cruised to a commanding win. However, despite their strong showing earlier in the series, Chicago's offense fell short in a dramatic 5-4 loss to Transylvania in an extra-innings thriller, highlighting the ups and downs of their recent competition.
 
vs UW-Oshkosh
Chicago (now 3-1) struck first in the third inning when Jackson Slipock launched a solo home run down the left-field line, giving the Maroons a 1-0 lead. From there, UChicago steadily built on their advantage, adding runs in nearly every inning. In the fifth, Erik Rindner's RBI single brought in Slipock, extending the lead to 2-0.

The sixth inning saw a pair of sacrifice flies, one from Jack Sharp (scoring Michael Gladden) and another from Richard Lu (scoring Brady Miller), putting the Maroons ahead 4-0. The offensive surge continued in the seventh when Rindner belted a two-run homer, scoring Slipock and making it 6-0.

UChicago's defense and base running added to the pressure in the eighth. Sharp scored on a throwing error by Oshkosh's second baseman, while Max Wiesner's two-run double brought in both Buck Olson and Rindner, pushing the lead to 9-0. In the ninth, Olson doubled to center field, scoring Sharp, and Braden Jirovec's single capped the game with another run, making it 11-0.

On the mound, UChicago's Hayden Leiderman was excellent, tossing six shutout innings while allowing just two hits and striking out six. He improved to 3-1 on the season. Landon Brice, Uday Narottam, and Kason Pelz kept the Oshkosh offense at bay in relief, with Brice also contributing a scoreless inning. However, the Titans' bullpen struggled, with starter Chris Walters (2-1) taking the loss after allowing four runs in five innings.

UChicago's offense was well-rounded, with Slipock finishing with three runs, two hits, and an RBI. Rindner also had a strong day, going 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. The Maroons' depth was evident, as every player in the starting lineup recorded at least one hit.

Box Score:

• UChicago: 11 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors
• Wisconsin-Oshkosh: 2 runs, 4 hits, 1 error

Winning Pitcher: Hayden Leiderman (3-1)
Losing Pitcher: Chris Walters (2-1)

 
vs Transylvania
In a hard-fought battle that went into extra innings, the University of Chicago baseball team fell just short, losing 5-4 to Transylvania in a game that saw plenty of late-game drama.

The game began with both teams exchanging solo home runs in the second inning. Michael Gladden put Chicago on the board first with a solo blast, but Transylvania responded immediately when Hunter Mitcham launched a home run of his own to tie the game at 1-1.

Transylvania then took control in the third inning. With two runners on, Shunya Shiratori doubled down the line, driving in two runs to give the Pioneers a 3-1 lead. Despite a strong performance from Chicago's pitching staff, the Maroons were unable to answer until the seventh inning. Jack Sharp launched a solo home run to right field, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The game took a dramatic turn in the ninth inning when UChicago mounted a late rally. Sharp's clutch RBI single through the right side tied the game at 3-3, scoring Devan Johnson from third. Moments later, Richard Lu's fielder's choice SAC bunt brought Sharp home, giving Chicago a 4-3 lead and seemingly putting them on the path to victory.

However, Transylvania was not finished yet. In the bottom of the ninth, Henry Manning singled to center, driving in Ben Tedesco and tying the game at 4-4, sending the contest into extra innings.

The Pioneers seized the opportunity in the 10th inning. Matt Finn came up big with a solo home run to right field, giving Transylvania a 5-4 lead that they would hold onto for the win.

On the mound, UChicago's pitching staff kept the game close, while Charlie Hahn and Kirk Waller delivered scoreless innings. However, it was John Butka who was tagged with the loss after allowing two runs in 2.2 innings of relief. He was charged with the game-winning home run in the 10th inning.

For UChicago, Gladden finished 3-for-5 with a home run and an RBI, and Sharp also went 3-for-4, driving in two runs, including a key RBI to tie the game in the ninth. The Maroons (1-1) showed resilience in the late innings but ultimately could not secure the win.

Despite the loss, the Maroons had strong performances at the plate, with 11 total hits and a dramatic rally in the ninth. UChicago will look to bounce back in their next outing as they aim to build on their solid offensive display.

Box Score:

• UChicago: 4 runs, 11 hits, 1 error
• Transylvania: 5 runs, 11 hits, 1 error

Winning Pitcher: M. Armstrong (1-0)
Losing Pitcher: John Butka (0-1)