Ephs Drop One Versus Middlebury 7-1

BRUNSWICK, Maine — Williams College Ephs fell to Middlebury 7–1 in the second game of NESCAC championship weekend. A late offensive surge by the Panthers proved too much to overcome, as sharp Middlebury pitching held the Ephs' bats quiet.

Grant Greiner got the start for the Ephs and was sharp through the first seven frames, striking out seven and allowing just two earned runs on four hits. He worked out of multiple jams, used a mix of pitches to induce soft contact, and kept the Ephs within striking distance despite minimal run support.

Despite Griener's efforts, Middlebury struck first in the third when Brayden Mathews launched a two-run homer over the left field wall following a walk to Gus Parker, putting the Panthers up 2–0. They added an unearned run in the fourth after a double steal and a passed ball allowed Pablo Spielman to score and extend the lead to 3–0.

The Ephs got on the board in the fifth. After Oliver Rey walked and advanced to third on a passed ball and a throwing error, he scored on a balk to make it 3–1. But that would be all for the Williams offense.

The game remained tight until the eighth, when Middlebury broke it open. A two-run single up the middle from Aiden Han, followed by a bases-loaded walk to Ben Slaughter, made it 6–1. The Panthers added one more in the ninth via another balk, plating Parker for the final run.

Williams kept fighting all night long but just couldn't capitalize. The Ephs stranded eight runners, and despite a walk and a hit-by-pitch in the late innings, were unable to mount a rally. Will Scott, Ben Swank, and Marcus Burrell II had the team's only hits.

With the loss, Williams lost its fourth game to Middlebury this season and ended their eight-game win streak. Despite this, Williams is still alive in the NESCAC championship weekend. 

The team looks to bounce back versus Colby tomorrow at 9 AM. With a win, they would get another shot to take down the Panthers for the NESCAC title. However, Colby will be looking to avenge their 13-4 loss to the Ephs from this Friday.