FORT PIERCE, FL -  The Hilbert College baseball team showed they have some grit in their game after they completed a come-from-behind victory over Geneva College this afternoon. The Hawks recovered from a morning 10-1 loss to capture their first win in Florida with a 9-6 triumph.

With two runners on in the sixth inning, Joe Pernick's visit to the plate produced a two-run double to give Hilbert their first lead 7-6.  With a rattled infield, the Hawks tagged on more damage.  John Babocsi reached on a short stop error just before Tom Irish made it to first by way of a third-basemen fielding error. 

The Tornados swapped the man on the mound and Noah Rasnik's bunt pushed everyone one-quarter a turn around the bases.  Pernick made it home just before Babocsi sprinted home thanks to a wild pitch.  With a 4-run inning, and a 9-6 lead, the Hawks just had to play defense for three outs.

As the fifth pitcher in the game, Tyler Wangler approached his time on the mound with focus and held strong.  Geneva's first batter hit a single to right field but was then thrown out by Pernick on first.  The Tornadoes second batter flew out to center and Wangler got the third batter looking. 

Hilbert finished the game with eight hits, five of them being double –baggers.  Joe Pernick and John Babocsi each finished the day with a double and two RBIs but Babocsi scored two runs while Pernick crossed home once.   Anthony Wurstner was the only Hawk to end with two hits, one being a double.

The pitching crew combined for five strike-outs with five walks and gave up eight hits.  Sal Carroccia was credited with two strike outs while Michael Vogel threw the longest over a period of 2.2 innings.

In the first game of the day, Geneva College slowly crept away from Hilbert, putting runs in the book each inning.  The Tornadoes largest single point-production occurred in the bottom of the first inning when they struck for three runs after holding the Hawks in the top half.   Hilbert was able to cross home plate after Geneva's pitcher walked four straight Hawks which pushed Michael Best home.  But that was all the royal and white were able to string together.

Matthew Lenz took the loss after going five innings giving up seven runs and three walks.  Andrew Cartaginese, Matt Goraj and Justin Hulbert combined for two strike outs while giving up four runs with six walks. 

The Hawks can enjoy this win but will get right back at it Thursday at 12 noon when they face the College of St. Scholastica.  That game will have streaming audio coverage thanks to St. Scholastica.  At 3:30 Hilbert returns to action against Delaware Valley again.  Both games can be view via live stats.