Minus the cape and mask, AU third baseman Wade Kaido really was Batman on Wednesday (Apr. 9).
In two games at Tiffin, Kaido went 6-for-9 and drove in five runs. He helped the Eagles split a doubleheader against the Dragons. The first game went to Tiffin, 8-4. Ashland regrouped and won the second game, 10-5.
AU is 16-12 and 6-7 in the GLIAC. Tiffin is 9-22 and 8-6.
Kaido was 2-for-4 with three RBI in the opener. Outfielder Alex Sortwell went 2-for-3 with a double. Outfielder Mackenzie Hampshire and shortstop Austin Walts also had doubles.
Tiffin was clinging to a 4-2 lead before exploding for four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. That salvo made the score, 8-2. Designated hitter Alex Hartely had a two-run double in the outburst and right fielder Cody Spires added a two-run single.
AU answered with two runs in the top of the seventh on a two-run Kaido single, but couldn't get any closer to the Dragons.
Dan Sexton went six innings to get the win. He allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits.
AU starter Alex Smith (3-4) was saddled with the loss. He worked 5.2 innings and was tagged for eight runs (four earned) on seven hits.
Ashland led the second game, 4-1 after two innings and 5-4 after three innings. The Eagles put some distance between themselves and the Dragons with a four-run fifth inning.
One big difference in this game was the work of the bullpens. AU starter Dan Whitacre allowed four runs on four hits in 2.1 innings. After that, a trio of AU pitchers permitted one run. The win went to Vince Frate (6-2), who pitched 3.2 scoreless innings. AU also called on David Devine and Mitch Cox.
Tiffin used four pitchers and the Eagles scored at least one run against each of those hurlers. The loss went to starter Patrick Bellinger, who pitched the opening inning and allowed three runs (two earned).
Kaido was 4-for-5, scored three runs and drove in two runs. He had a double. Hampshire was 1-for-4 and had two RBI. Ashland had 10 hits.
This isn't the last time these teams will meet this season. Next Wednesday (Apr. 16) the teams will play a nine-inning game at Donges Field.
Before that, the Eagles will go on the road for a three-game series at Northwood this weekend.
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