Bethel & Lindsey Wilson Split Doubleheader in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Ky.- Bethel University used a five-run fifth inning and a late go-ahead run to defeat Lindsey Wilson College, 6-5, in Game 1 of a doubleheader Friday afternoon at Egnew Park.
The Wildcats earned a much-needed victory while extending their winning streak over the Blue Raiders to 12 consecutive games.
Bethel totaled seven hits on the afternoon, with Garrett Taylor leading the way with a 2-for-4 performance and two runs scored. Juan Diego Ramos also collected two hits, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a triple, while Evan Cardwell drove in a game-high two runs, highlighted by a key extra-base hit.
Trailing 3-0 through four innings, Bethel broke through in the fifth inning. Cardwell delivered a two-run double to left-center, cutting the deficit to one. Zayden McCaslin followed with an RBI single to tie the game, and Adriel Vega added an RBI groundout to give the Wildcats their first lead. Ramos capped the inning with an RBI single, putting Bethel ahead 5-3.
Lindsey Wilson answered in the sixth inning to tie the game at 5-5. Orion Hahm-Taklender, who finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and two stolen bases, recorded a sacrifice fly before Bryce Sidler added an RBI single. Andres Duran also contributed a strong offensive effort, going 3-for-4.
On the mound, Bethel received contributions from three pitchers. Walker Ward struck out four over three innings, allowing two runs (one earned). Klayton Wright worked three innings in relief, striking out three. Peyton Martin (1-3) earned the win, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing two hits and striking out two.
The Wildcats regained the lead in the eighth inning of the schedule seven inning game. Taylor reached base and later scored on a Lindsey Wilson fielding error off the bat of Cardwell, providing the eventual game-winning run.
Bethel was able to hold off Lindsey Wilson in the final frame, securing the one-run victory to open the doubleheader.
The Blue Raiders outhit Bethel 9-7 but left nine runners on base. Sidler reached base three times, while Drake Young added an RBI for Lindsey Wilson.
Game 2
Bethel dropped a tightly contested 3-2 decision to Lindsey Wilson in game two of Friday's doubleheader at Egnew Park, as the Blue Raiders snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Wildcats.
Bethel (11-27, 5-12) and Lindsey Wilson (18-27, 8-9) each finished with five hits, but a go-ahead run in the fifth inning proved to be the difference.
Lindsey Wilson struck first on a solo home run in the opening inning, but Bethel answered in the second. Juan Diego Ramos came around to score on a bases-loaded walk by Tyler Webb, tying the game at 1-1.
The Wildcats grabbed their only lead in the third inning when Adriel Vega launched a solo home run to left field, giving Bethel a 2-1 advantage.
The Blue Raiders responded in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI single to even the score at 2-2 before pushing across the eventual game-winning run in the fifth on an RBI groundout.
Adriel Vega led the Wildcats offensively, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.
Juan Diego Ramos turned in a strong performance at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and a run scored.
CJ Lattimore and Evan Cardwell each added a hit, while Tyler Webb drove in a run and reached base via walk.
Zachary Zimmer got the start and worked three innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out three.
Christian Wilkes (0-3) took the loss despite a solid outing, giving up just one run (unearned) over two innings with three strikeouts.
Preston Gentry provided a strong finish out of the bullpen, striking out three in a scoreless sixth inning.
Bethel and Lindsey Wilson will close out the series and their regular seasons Sunday at 1 p.m. CT.
Stats:
https://lindseyathletics.com/sidearmstats/baseball/summary
Watch:
https://lindseyathletics.com/watch/?Live=141&type=Live