MISHAWAKA, Ind.—The Bethel Pilots (11-23, 6-20) split Friday’s doubleheader against the Marian University Knights (20-18, 16-10) at Jenkins Stadium.
The Pilots fell 14-9 in game one, but claimed game two by two runs (5-3) to shatter an eleven game losing streak.
GAME ONE
In the top of the first, the Knights claimed a 3-0 lead over the Pilots off of three hits.
Marian’s Elijah Kelly singled to left center to bring home Josh Lamb and Dawson Estep for the final runs of the inning.
Following a scoreless bottom of the first, Marian’s run total continued to climb with six additional runs scored in the top of the second (9-0).
Lucas Thorn smacked the first double of the matchup to right field in the bottom of the second. Drew Deming then stepped up to the plate with one out, launching a double to right center to bring in teammates Lucas Thorn and Logan Bevier (9-2).
In the top of the fourth, Marian’s Elijah Kelly touched home plate after Jacob Dill placed a double down the left field line (10-2).
Bethel broke the scoring standstill by scoring three additional runs in the bottom of the sixth. Jordan Landkrohn smoked a solo shot to left center in the first at-bat of the inning (10-3). Corbin Greenslade doubled to right field to bring home Jacob Sitterly (10-4) for his first run of the series.
The Knights ended the inning with an impressive double play after Drew Deming hit a grounder to shortstop Elijah Kelly. Deming’s efforts did bring in Logan Bevier for one last run of the inning (10-5).
Drew Deming challenged Marian’s outfield with his next double in the bottom of the eighth, launching the ball this time to left for an RBI. Lucas Thorn scored (10-6).
In the final inning, Marian’s Cole McManus ripped a grand slam over the right field fence, granting the Knights four additional insurance runs (14-6).
Bethel capitalized on Marian’s pitching in the bottom of the ninth, scoring their final two runs off of walks (14-9).
Davis Enfield (7-2) pitched for six innings, recording seven strikeouts, and giving up four earned runs.
Noah Borwege (0-5) suffered the loss after he started on the mound for 1.1 innings, posting five walks alongside four earned runs.
GAME TWO
The Pilots put the first run on the board at the bottom of the second. Logan Bevier scored following Drew Deming’s single to center (1-0).
Marian’s Kameron Salavar’s singled through the left side to bring in Nathan Pinarski and tie the score (1-1) in the top of the third. Salavar continued to shine in the top of the fifth, scoring on a wild pitch to put the Knights ahead 3-1.
In the bottom of the fifth, Andrew Dillon plated the first run after Marian’s catcher airmailed the second baseman (3-2). The run comes at a pivotal time for Dillon who saw his first start since the Pilots’ fall Michigan-Dearborn series amidst his battle with cancer.
Elijah Gaines’ RBI tied up the board 3-3 with a base hit to left, as Andrew Walters scored.
The Pilots secured the final two runs of the game off of walks by Marian (5-3).
Weston Harvey secured the win after pitching six innings, the most he has pitched in a single game this season. Harvey struck out eleven batters, walked four, and gave up three runs (two earned).
Tim Dillehay picked up the save, as he pitched the final inning.
Logan Drook suffered the loss after throwing 4.1 innings while giving up five runs from three hits.
The Pilots will continue the series against the Marian Knights on Saturday, Apr. 12 at 1:00 PM for game three, with game four to follow.