Hillsdale College beat the University of Tiffin in three out of four games in their home weekend series March 22 – 24 at Hillsdale’s new field, the TFO Partners Field at Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium. 

“It was an awesome weekend, and a ton of people were on the stands enjoying it, which made it a lot better,” senior Danny Passinault said.

Passinault said the weather was cold, but defeating Tiffin on their home field helped. 

The Tiffin Dragons defeated the Chargers Friday afternoon 7-0 in the series opener.

“We couldn’t get anything going offensively in our first game but quickly turned it around and won the next three,” senior Joe Hardenbergh said. “We had great performances all around from our pitching staff, and they came up huge to keep us in all of the games.”

In the Saturday doubleheader, Hillsdale defeated Tiffin twice. Hillsdale beat the Dragons 8-3 in the first game and 5-4 in the second game. 

Hillsdale made seven runs in the first three innings of the first game. 

“Following our first game, our hitting came around, and we were able to get contributions from everyone in the lineup 1-9 which was huge,” Hardenbergh said. 

Hardenbergh had a two-run double to right field in the bottom of the first inning, followed by junior Will Shannon’s three-run double in the bottom of the second inning.

Freshman Rocco Tenuta contributed another double in the bottom of the third. 

In the top of the fifth, Tiffin made two runs, but Hardenbergh had a walk with countered bases loaded. Passinault and Shannon added a single and a double, and Sallee stole two bases to seal the Charger’s victory. 

Freshman Daniel Higdon pitched for the Chargers, striking out two, and walking two over five innings. 

“He’s a bright spot for the team and will be for the next four years,” Passinhault said.

Senior Chad Stevens also pitched well for the Chargers with two innings of relief, striking out three and preventing a baserunner.

In the nightcap, Hillsdale beat the Tiffin 5-4, returning from a three-point deficit to sweep the day. 

Jeff Landis hit a double, Will Millard hit a sacrifice fly, and Passinault hit a single. Passinault also dove for a catch in center field, preventing Tiffin from pulling further ahead. 

“I have to shoutout Danny Passinault for his game-saving catch and game-tying triple in the following inning in Game 3,” Hardenbergh said.

Passinault had a second incredible catch to prevent Tiffin from scoring again, and then Passinault hit a triple to right field to score, tying the game 4-4.

“I accidentally made it look a lot cooler than it was,” Passinault said. “I took the wrong route but ended up getting it anyway. It was cool to contribute and save the play.”

In the final play, Tiffin misplayed a ground ball, allowing Passinault to score and secure the 5-4 win for the Chargers.

In Sunday’s final, Hillsdale won 9-3 against Tiffin. 

In the third inning, the Chargers made five runs and maintained its lead for the rest of the game. 

“It was really fun to watch them defeat Tiffin at the home stadium,” baseball fan sophomore Shaelyn Martens said. “I can’t wait for their next game.”

The series against Tiffin brought the Charger’s record to 8-13 overall. 

“We’re starting to turn a corner and play better baseball,” Passinhault said. “It’s that point in the season when it’s all coming together.”

Hardenbergh agreed.

“We played complete baseball this weekend in all three facets of the game and hopefully can use this momentum going forward,” Hardenbergh said.

The Chargers will travel to Nashville to play against Trevecca Nazarene in a four-game series this weekend.