LEAD

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- Maranatha fell in five-innings during the double-header at Clarke. The Pride matched their runs in the first two inning of each game, pulling out to early leads that would later determine the games 18-1 & 14-1. 

Grace Strauch led the Sabercats for the day earning a spot on base in each of her six times to the plate. She recorded one hit, which was a triple late in game one, and also scored one of her teams two runs on the day. 

OVERVIEW

• Results
  • Game One: Maranatha 1-18 Clarke (5-innings)
  • Game Two: Maranatha 1-14 Clarke (5-innings)
• Venue: Veterans Memorial Park
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (0-28), CU (21-19)

STORY 

The Clarke Pride came out with a powerful start against the Sabercats putting up nine runs in both the first and second inning to give them what would be their final score. The strong wind played in their favor, dropping hits in perfect locations on the field. They recorded 32 hits on they day, with 18 in the first game alone. 

While the Sabercats were able to load the bases multiple times throughout the day, they were only able to bring in a solo run in each game. 

Grace Strauch saved Maranatha from the shut out in game one after crushing a triple to right field in the top of the fifth. And errant throw at second base brought Strauch home, giving the game a final score of 18-1.

The second game saw a slightly better start for the Sabercats defense, but Clarke still took a hefty lead early on after matching their runs once again through the first two innings with five in each. 

Maranatha earned their solo run in the second inning after Ella Malmanger took a bean with bases loaded, bringing in Kaili Swaffer. But a well-executed double play from Clarke closed out the inning, taking away Maranatha's opportunity to up their score. 

The Pride finished the day with a 14-1 win to close out the double-header. Maranatha returns to their home field this weekend to close out their season with two double-headers against Grace Christian. 

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Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Melville (C), Searle (P), Strauch (SS), Malmanger (2B), Nerat (1B), Mullikin (3B), Mikkelson (LF), Swaffer (CF), Gaul (RF)

Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Melville (C), McIntyre (P), Strauch (SS), Malmanger (2B), Nerat (1B), Searle (3B), Mikkelson (LF), Swaffer (CF), Gaul (RF)

STATS

• Last Time: Maranatha fell 0-8 and 0-17 against Clarke last Monday, April 15
• Series: Clarke leads 4-0 in the series against Maranatha

OPPONENTS

• Clarke competes in the Heart of America Conference (NAIA)
• Clarke finished the 2023 season with a record of 13-32

NEXT

The Sabercats return to Watertown, Wisconsin to face Grace Christian in a double-header on Friday, April 26, at 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.