SWEDES FALL SHORT IN FIRST CONFERENCE GAME AGAINST YORK UNIVERSITY

McPherson, Kan. - The Bethany College Baseball team took on York University for the first conference game of the season. Due to field conditions the game was played at McPherson College's home field with Bethany College remaining the home team. The Swedes would be put to a battle against York but would unfortunately fall short to victory losing 9-7. 

The first two innings were not pretty for the Swedes starting pitcher. The scoring started early for York, in the first inning scoring four and then two in the next inning.The Swedes would answer back offensively and were able to put six on the scoreboard in the first two innings as well. The scoring for the Swedes began in the bottom of the first inning when Joseph Rivera hit a single to center field and a misplayed ball by the centerfielder allowed Noel Perez to come around to score from first base. 

In the second inning of the game, the Swedes offense came back from being down five runs, and would tie up the ball game at 6-6. Willard Frizzell and David Espinal were able to draw walks in the inning to get runners on first and second, when Connor Crayton stepped up to the plate and delivered an RBI single to center field, scoring Frizzell and Espinal to third base. With runners now on first and third, Crayton stole second and on the throwdown the shortstop could not handle the throw which allowed Espinal to score. A Noel Perez walk and Cryton still on second base, Joseph Rivera delivered the big hit the Swedes were looking for. Rivera hit a shot over the centerfield wall for a 3-run homerun which brought the game all tied up and capped off a five run inning for the Swedes. 

The Swedes would go ahead and take the lead 7-6 in the third inning on a RBI double by David Espinal. Willard Frizzell started off the inning with a single to right field followed by the double to left-center field from Espinal. 

From innings four through seven pitching improved on both sides and were able to get out of innings scoreless. That was until the top of the eighth inning when York scored three off an RBI double and two-run homerun. That would be all York needed as they were able to win 9-7. 

Alfredo Cruz started the game for the Swedes and went two innings, six runs, nine hits and struck out one. Bryant Baez and Nick Flores pitched in relief and were crucial to keeping the game scoreless. Baez lasted four innings, zero runs, five hits, walked and struck out one. Flores went one inning three up-three down and struck out one. Maurico Hernandez picked up the loss as he went two-thirds inning, two hits, three runs, and one walk. Judd McCall would pitch in the last inning and a third striking out two of the four batters faced.

Up Next...

The Bethany College Baseball team will take on Kansas Wesleyan for a confrence series starting Friday, March 3rd, with a single game starting at 3:00 PM CST and doubleheader Saturday, March 4th, starting at 12:00 PM CST 

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