MISHAWAKA, Ind. — The Bethel Pilots (13-17, 6-12) could not hold back the electric offense of Indiana Wesleyan (18-11-1, 13-3), ranked second in the NAIA in total runs scored, total hits, and total RBIs.
GAME 1
Andrew Miranda made some noise in the top of the third inning with a home run to break a two-inning scoring drought but was matched in the bottom of the third with a Wildcat home run. Indiana Wesleyan crossed two more insurance runs on a two-RBI single, allowing runners to advance on an error.
The Wildcats added another run in the fourth on an RBI single, then put up two more on a home run in the seventh inning.
Jeremy Wiersema plated Corbin Greenslade on a ground ball to third base, resulting in an error to make it 6-2 in the bottom of the eighth. The Pilots scored a third run when Seth Ambrose took home on a wild pitch and decreased their deficit to 6-3.
The eighth inning was a big rally for the Wildcats. Four runs were scored by an error on a ground out to the pitcher, an RBI double, and an RBI single to win 10-3.
Frank Plesac allowed six runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and a walk after throwing seven innings but ultimately was credited with the loss.
GAME 2
The Pilots started early with a run scored on a wild pitch plating Wiersema, while Eli MacDonald drew a walk to make it 1-0 after the top of the first inning. The Wildcats countered with a walked-in run and a run scored on an error by the third baseman to take the lead 2-1.
Indiana Wesleyan scored five runs in the span of three innings and gained a 7-1 lead before Miranda scored Thomas Dolan on an RBI single in the top of the fifth. Wiersema homered in the top of the seventh, getting the Pilots to 7-4 but couldn’t finish the rally and fell short in the nightcap.
Brad VanOverberghe threw five innings while letting up seven runs on seven hits, struck out five batters, and walked three.
THE SERIES CONTINUES
The second doubleheader of the series was moved to Friday, Mar. 31, at noon due to impending weather this weekend. The Pilots will finish the Indiana Wesleyan series at the Wildcat Baseball Field in Marion, Ind., before taking on RV Taylor University on Wednesday, Apr. 5.