MELBOURNE, Fla. — The Bethel Pilots (3-6) lost both games on Wednesday to fellow NCCAA school the University of Fort Lauderdale (13-12) by a score of 2-1 and then to Ave Maria Gyrenes (Fla.) 10-2 at day three of the USA Space Coast Games.
VS FORT LAUDERDALE
The Pilots struck first in a pitcher’s duel in the bottom of the second inning with a sacrifice fly to right field to score, but UFL tied the game in the top of the fifth on an RBI single. The Eagles then took the lead in the top of the sixth with a sacrifice fly to left to secure the 2-1 UFL victory.
Harmony Looney started the game and threw for five innings, allowed five hits on two runs (one earned), walked three, and struck out one. Ryann Norris relieved Looney in the sixth and closed the game with no hits and no runs, walking one all in 19 pitches.
VS AVE MARIA
Ryann Norris started the game with three shutout innings, and the Pilots put up a two spot in the top of the fourth with a run scored from a ground out to second and a throwing error by the Ave Maria shortstop that plated Madison Shaw. Ave Maria tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with a solo home run, 1-1.
Harmony Looney, credited with the loss, came in to throw in the fifth inning, but the Gyrenes plated nine runs in the bottom of the sixth to force the eight-run rule.
USSSA SPACE COAST GAMES DAY 4
The Pilots get Thursday off and will be back in action on Friday, Mar. 8, at 12:15 p.m. against the Cleary Cougars and at 2:30 p.m. against the Cornerstone Golden Eagles.