LEXINGTON, Ky. – The top two teams in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) squared off with first place in the league up for grabs, with Franklin and #25 Transylvania meeting on Wednesday (May 1) afternoon. 

The Grizzlies (25-11, 14-2 HCAC) had their unbeaten conference run snapped with the Pioneers (29-8, 14-2 HCAC) winning both games by scores of 3-2 and 6-1. 

Game One: Transylvania 3 – Franklin 2 (8 inn.)
Down by two in the fourth inning, Franklin drew even thanks to some exceptional work on the base paths. With the two runners in scoring position and one out, Kaylee Stewart sent a fly ball into right field that scored pinch runner Alyssa Pasch on a sac fly. But on the throw home, the ball got away from the Pioneer catcher that allowed fellow pinch runner Belle Nieling to scamper home from third and tie the game. 

The game moved into extra innings and Franklin put two runners in scoring position with one out. But the Grizzlies couldn't capitalize on their golden chance and the Pioneers ended the game in their half of the inning with a sac fly. 

Lauren Duncan (12-5) got the game one start and tossed a gem, scattering seven hits with two earned runs allowed over 7.1 innings. 

Game Two: Transylvania 6 – Franklin 1
The Pioneers jumped out in front with a four-run first and maintained that lead the rest of the way. Eriana Wagner added to her single season home run record by clubbing a solo shot in the top of the third, but Franklin's offense would manage just three more hits the rest of the way. 

Wagner went 2-for-3 at the top of the lineup. Stephanni Kleber (8-5) went five innings as the game two starter with Abi Exl taking over for one inning of relief. 

Up Next
The Grizzlies close out the regular season on Saturday (May 4) afternoon with two games at Manchester. Game one is set to get underway at 1:00 p.m.