EUREKA, Ill. -- The Eureka Red Devils had a day to remember, batting their way to a double-header victory over the Maranatha. They put up a combined 38 hits with three home-runs, all from junior Alayla Thornton who racked up 10 RBI's.
Over the two game span, the Sabercats were able to earn a total of five runs off of four hits. Racquelle Melville put her team on the board in the final inning of the day after a well-placed 2 RBI double to left field.
OVERVIEW
- Results Game One: Maranatha 3-31 Eureka (5 innings)
- Results Game Two: Maranatha 2-20 Eureka (5 innings)
- Venue: Sweitzer Field - Eureka, Illinois
- Attendance: 30
- Records: MBU (0-4), EC (4-6)
STORY
Maranatha had a promising start to the game, showing great plate discipline and loading the bases. Eureka's Jeri Bradford, struggled to get into a rhythm early in the pitcher's circle which the Sabercats were able to take advantage of to gain a 1-0 lead after the top of the first.
But the Red Devils wasted zero time when they stepped up to the plate, immediately connecting with the ball and loading the bases before earning their first out. A Sabercat error lost them their early lead, as Eureka took over 2-0. They were able to extend their lead to four before Maranatha was able to retire the inning with back-to-back fly ball outs to Bethany Madsen and Dani Gaul
Again, Maranatha was able to walk their way around the bases to load them up. But the Sabercats were left stranded in scoring position and would not cross home plate again until the top of the fourth with a RBI for Bethany Searle.
Eureka continue to show no mercy at the bat and finished game-one with their largest win since 1996 (31-3)
Maranatha showed improvement in game-two improving their errors by five and recording three hits off of a single from Searle and a single & 2 RBI double from Mellville.
But the Red Devils were still on fire offensively, and put the day away with a 20-2 victory.
The Sabercats will look to quickly move on from the day's outcome, as they are still to face a double-header against Hannibal tomorrow and back-to-back double-headers at Blackburn Friday & Saturday.
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Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Melville (C), Searle (P), Strauch (SS), Madsen (2B), Knibbs (3B), McIntyre (1B), Mikkelson (LF), Gaul (CF), O'Doyley (RF)
Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Melville (C), McIntyre (P), Strauch (SS), Madsen (2B), Knibbs (3B), O'Doyley (1B), Mikkelson (LF), Searle (CF), Gaul (RF)
STATS
OPPONENTS
- Eureka competes in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA-DIII)
- Eureka finished the 2024 season with a record of 10-28
NEXT
The Sabercats travel to Hannibal, Missouri to face Hannibal-LaGrange College tomorrow. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.
