Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 THE LEAD
WATERTOWN, Wis. -- The final game of the weekend was a tight one, but a late blitz from Lincoln Christian University earned them the final win and the series sweep at Washington Park this weekend.
David Hecker and Drew Smith both recorded an RBI on the day as the Sabercats took a couple more losses to the Red Lions.
THE OVERVIEW
- Results: Maranatha 3-17 Lincoln Christian (6 innings), Maranatha 1-13 Lincoln Christian
- Venue: Washington Park
- Location: Watertown, Wis.
- Event: Parents' Day
- Attendance: 51
- Records: MBU (0-12), LCU (11-13)
THE STORY
Maranatha had to rely on their baserunning to make anything happen in the opening game of the day, as Luke Smiley held Maranatha hitless through the first four innings. David Hecker provided the bright spot at the plate with an RBI single in the bottom of the fifth to extend the game to a sixth inning, but Lincoln cemented the win with 5 runs in their next at-bat.
All told, the Red Lions scored at least a run in every inning, keeping the Sabercats out of the win column on the season yet again.
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The second game was a pitching duel for the most part, as Shane Paruch and Henry Strupp went toe to toe through the first six frames, and Drew Smith had an RBI single to make it a 3-1 game in the fifth.
But the turning point came in the top of the seventh when an RBI triple from Colton Larson kickstarted a 10-run inning. That was the killer blow for Maranatha, who had kept pace right up until the final frame.
Nate Croswell and Foster Fredrickson both recorded 2 hits for Maranatha in the second game. Fredrickson launched a double for his second double of the season. As a final highlight, Kile Arp stepped onto the mound and walked away with his first career strikeout.
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Maranatha Lineup (Game 1) - 7- Cripps (C), 19- T. Smith (SS), 8- Paruch (3B), 4- Huthmaker (DH), 10- Ratledge (P), 6- Hecker (CF), , D. Smith (RF), 2- Fredrickson (LF), 3- Croswell (2B), 18- Arp (1B)
Maranatha Lineup (Game 2) - 7- Cripps (C), 19- T. Smith (SS), 8- Paruch (P), 4- Huthmaker (DH), 10- Ratledge (3B), 6- Hecker (CF), 3- Croswell (2B), 2- Fredrickson (LF), 18- Arp (1B)
THE SOUND BITE
"These guys never quit," said Coach Gary Garrison after the game. "Regardless of what the scoreboard says, they never quit. And both starting pitchers did a phenomenal job today. Both threw over 100 pitches, and they kept us in it. All we needed was a clutch hit and we didn't get it. We were right there. Really happy with the way the guys battled - we had a lot of energy and we just gotta keep battling."
"It just feels good to be back," said senior captain Caleb Huthmaker, who had returned from a serious injury for his first start. "I didn't think I'd be back at all, so every at-bat is a blessing - it's a gift from God. Now I know I'll get a chance to contribute rather than just watching the games. I can finally put some effort in."
THE STATS
THE OPPONENTS
- Lincoln Christian competes as an independent NAIA member
- Lincoln Christian beat Maranatha in MBU's first games of the season this year
- Lincoln Christian and Maranatha used to compete for the NCCAA Regional title
THE OUTLOOK
The Sabercats travel to Lakeland University on Thursday for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule
