LEAD 

EUREKA, Ill. -- Eureka proved to be a mighty opponent for Maranatha as they took care of business in just 5-innings each game in the double-header (16-1 & 14-2). The Red Devils connected at the plate, scoring multiple runs in every inning to improve their record to 3-1. 

Joe Anderson was the leader at the plate for Maranatha on the day. He finished with two hits, two RBI's and a run.

OVERVIEW

• Result:
  • Game 1: Maranatha 1-16 Eureka (5-innings)
  • Game 2: Maranatha 2-14 Eureka (5-innings)
• Venue: Henry Sand Field
• Location: Eureka, Ill.
• Attendance: 100
• Records: MBU (0-7), EC (3-1)

STORY

Maranatha struggled to get anything going at the start of the day, earning their first six outs through the opening two innings from striking out at the plate. 

It wasn't until the top of the third inning that Joe Anderson was able to make something happen for the Sabercats with a single. Anderson was able to make his way into scoring position after a deep pop-out to right-field from Tim Nickels and was later brought home on a single from Teddy Haugen. 

Unfortunately this was the only run Maranatha would be able to produce for the remainder of the first game. 

But Eureka had no issues getting their bats to connect with the ball. They put up 10 hits throughout the game, scoring multiple runs in each inning to earn a 16-1 win. Mike Dunne and Sam Buduris both recorded a two RBI homerun in the game. Dunne led the Red Devils overall, scoring three times over two hits and earning 4 RBIs. 

Eureka's 30-man roster allowed them to switch things up in the second game, giving Maranatha a completely new team to play. But the Sabercats were still unable to get things rolling early as they ended up going three and out throughout the first three innings. 

Tim Nickels gave the Sabercats their first scoring opportunity after hitting a double at the top of the fourth and later advancing to third on a Red Devil error. But Nickels was left stranded on third as the Sabercats took back to the field with no runs to show for. 

The Red Devils second string of players found just as much success as the first group. They scored two runs in the first, three in the second, four in the third, and five in the fourth. 

Down 0-14, Maranatha grabbed their bats one more time to try to produce something to extend the game. With two runners on base and two outs, Joe Anderson connected at the plate for a 2 RBI double to put his team on the board. 

But Anderson's hit was followed by a third out, which left him stranded on second, a brought the game to an end (14-2 EC). 
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Game One Lineup: 21- Cook 3B, 17- Martin SS, 9- Anderson 1B, 9- Kenny C, 8- Arterberry RF, 5- Nickels CF, 15- Piranian LF, 18 Haugen P, 13- Cucuro 2B

Game Two Lineup: 21- Cook 3B, 17- Martin SS, 18- Haugen 1B, 9- Anderson C, 8- Arterberry RF, 5- Nickels CF, 15- Piranian LF, 2- Kenny P, 13- Cucuro 2B

STATS

• Last Time: This the was the first match-up between Maranatha and Eureka
• Series: Eureka now leads the series 2-0 against Maranatha.

OPPONENTS

• Eureka competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NCAA Dlll)
• Eureka finished the 2023 season with a record of 13-25

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Elgin, Illinois to face Judson University in a double-header on Monday, March 4, starting at 12:30 P.M. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.