On the evening of May 14, 2026, the Wright State Raiders traveled to Nischwitz Stadium to meet the Youngstown State Penguins in a non‑conference baseball matchup that would end in a 5‑2 victory for the Raiders.
Late‑Inning Heroics
The decisive moment arrived in the eighth inning when Brady Shannon stepped into the batter’s box and launched a towering home run that cleared the fence, driving in three runs and shifting the momentum firmly in Wright State’s favor.
Kendal Spencer, already a threat on the bases, added a crucial blow in the ninth inning by doubling down the right‑field line, plating two more runs and capping a rally that left the Penguins scrambling for answers.
Spencer’s speed was on full display throughout the game, as he stole three bases, including a pivotal steal that set the stage for the ninth‑inning rally.
Pitching and Defensive Details
Braden Gebhardt delivered a solid outing on the mound to earn the win, while Tyler Heflin shut the door in the later frames to record the save. The loss was charged to Jj Thompson, who surrendered the late runs that proved costly for Youngstown State.
Statistically, the Raiders managed five hits and two runs, whereas the Penguins out‑hit them with seven hits but could only muster five runs, underscoring the importance of timely hitting over sheer volume.
The game also featured a defensive misstep by Ryan Schummer, whose error contributed to the Penguins’ fifth run, highlighting the fine margins that defined the contest.
With the win, Wright State improves its season standing and will look to carry the momentum into upcoming matchups, while Youngstown State will seek to regroup after a hard‑fought loss.