Yellow Jackets snap conference drought with split at Cornerstone

DEFIANCE, Ohio - The Defiance Yellow Jackets started their April slate by recording their first conference win since their WHAC opener during a doubleheader against the Cornerstone Golden Eagles at DeWitt Field on Thursday. Cornerstone claimed the first game 6-2, and Defiance bounced back strongly in the second game with a 10-2 victory.

Game 1: Cornerstone 6, Defiance 2
The Yellow Jackets (10-20, 2-8) showed resilience after their initial setback against the Golden Eagles (3-25, 3-9). Andy Yoder started the first game for Defiance, followed by Blake Bowman delivering a notable performance in relief, despite the loss. DC had built a 2-0 lead before the Golden Eagles answered with a pair of three-run innings to take command of the contest. The Defiance offense was held in check and were limited to four hits and four walks.

Game 2: Defiance 10, Cornerstone 2
The team's energy shifted remarkably in the second game where Gunner Gregg's commanding, seven-inning start was complemented by Tyler Sickmiller's tight, scoreless innings in relief. Noteworthy contributions came from the bats of Anthony Silvera, Jr., who hit a home run in the opening game, and Garret Long, who delivered an impactful, two-run single in the third inning of the second game. A key moment came when Defiance capitalized on their opponent's errors to score four crucial runs in the seventh inning of the second game, sealing their commanding win. The excellent defense and timely hitting were pivotal in turning the tables after the initial defeat.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Defiance had lost eight straight conference games prior to the 10-2 win in Game 2. 
• With the win, the Yellow Jackets surpassed last season's win total (9) and awarded the team their first season with double-digit wins since 2022 (10). The Jackets next victory would be the most wins in a season since 2019 (23).
• Gunner Gregg earned his third win of the season and matched his longest outing of the season (7.0 IP). Through six outings this season, the senior has not allowed more than three runs in a pitching performance.
• Anthony Silvera Jr. was the offensive highlight of the day with a pair of two-hit games. He combined to go 4-for-7 with a home run, walk and scored three times.
• Jacob Hild, Gregg, and Garret Long also posted two-hit performances in the second contest. Long had a team-best two RBIs for the day.
• Hild, Gregg, Mitchell Roever and Connor Gephart all recorded doubles to give the Jackets a total of five extra-base hits for the day.
• Tyler Sickmiller completed his fourth straight scoreless outing, totalling 4.0 innings.

UP NEXT
Looking ahead, the Yellow Jackets are set to face the Lourdes Gray Wolves at Mercy Field in Sylvania, Ohio on Saturday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.

-JACKETS-