SPRING ARBOR, Mich. — The Bethel Pilots (7-13, 2-4) were swept by the Spring Arbor Cougars in Crossroads League play, but nearly completed the comeback in game one.
GAME 1
Madi Shaw sparked the Pilot offense in the opening frame with an RBI double to left, plating Paxton Baker from second and Alyssa Forys from third to take the 2-0 lead.
The Cougars tied the game 2-2 in the bottom of the second on a fielder’s choice and a throwing error by McNeil, then took the lead in the home half of the third with two RBI singles and an RBI double down the right-field line to spring to a 5-2 advantage.
Shaw roped a bases-clearing single to left in the top of the sixth and brought in Jordan Markley and Baker but fell short of the comeback 5-4.
Natalee McNeil (2-4) threw for 2.1 innings and allowed seven hits, five runs (three earned) and walked two batters.
GAME 2
Shaw ripped a solo home run to left to start the nightcap of the doubleheader but was met with a game-tying RBI single in the bottom of the third, 1-1.
SAU roped a three-run homer in the bottom half of the fourth to improve to 4-1 and scored another insurance run in the bottom of the fifth from a walked-in run, 5-1 Spring Arbor.
The Cougars ended the game in the sixth with an RBI single to left and a bases-clearing double to left and secured the doubleheader sweep 9-1.
Ryen Clair (1-3) was given the loss after throwing 3.1 innings and allowed seven hits and four runs.
The Pilots return to Gardner Field for a four-game home stretch with the Marian Knights on Friday, March 21, at 3 p.m. and the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars on Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m.