MISHAWAKA, Ind. —The Bethel Pilots (9-31, 4-22) split Monday’s doubleheader at Gardner Field with the Goshen College Maple Leafs (16-18, 12-12) in the US 20 Highway Cup with an 11-3 loss in six innings and a walk-off in the eighth of the nightcap 8-7.
GAME ONE
In the opening inning, the Maple Leafs capitalized on Bethel’s defensive errors. Goshen got on the board after Shea VanScoter scored from third on a passed ball by Grace Walker (1-0). An error by Harmony Looney (third basemen) sent Goshen’s Alyssa McDonald home for run number two (2-0).
The Maple Leafs continued to rack up runs in the top of the third, as Rachel Kates smacked a double just over Madison Shaw to send home Bianca Diamond and Alyssa McDonald (4-0). In the top of the sixth, Goshen’s offense remained formidable with a total of seven runs scored off of six hits (11-0).
In the bottom of the six, Kate Cooper previewed the batting prowess that would secure game two for Bethel later in the afternoon. Cooper’s base hit RBI brought in teammate Alyssa Forys for Bethel’s first run (11-1), and sent Morgan Blubaum to the hot corner.
Shortstop Carissa Fillingame made a throwing error that assisted Morgan Blubaum and Madison Shaw in crossing home plate (11-3) after Grace Walker’s base hit.
Natalee McNeil (2-9) suffered the loss after five innings of work, as she walked six batters, struck out one, and gave up six hits.
GAME TWO
Bethel’s redemption began with a pair of base hits in the bottom of the first. Kate Cooper singled to right to score Alyssa Forys( 1-0), and Jordan Markley reached on a fielder’s choice as Morgan Blubaum recorded a run (2-0).
In the top of the third, Kamille Badibanga smacked a solo shot to left to put pressure on the Pilots (2-1). Shea VanScoter followed suit with her own round trip to even out the board (2-2).
Natalee McNeil answered in the next half inning with a single to short to bring in Madison Shaw (3-2).
The fourth inning showcased Bethel’s consistency behind the plate. The Maple Leafs battled back with three consecutive runs in the top of the fourth (5-3), but in the bottom of the inning Madison Shaw homered to left to record three RBIs and reclaim the Pilot lead (6-5).
Kate Cooper remained a steady offensive presence as the Pilots entered the bottom of the sixth. Her shot to right field sent her to first and teammate Alyssa Forys back to the dugout to celebrate a 7-5 lead over Goshen.
Though the Pilots remained one out away from claiming the win, Goshen fought back to tie the score 7-7 with two base hits by Rachel Kates and Tatem Adams in the top of the seventh.
In the bottom of the eighth, Kate Cooper stepped up to the plate with two outs against her, and Madison Shaw’s anticipation at first. Cooper shot a single to left to score Shaw and win game two 8-7 over the US 20 Highway Cup Rivals.
Haylee Allen (2-3) was the winning pitcher after four innings of work. Allen recorded one walk, one strikeout, and allowed one run off of four hits.
The Pilots will next face the Spring Arbor Cougars at Gardner Field at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, Apr. 15.