SWEDES STUNNED AFTER SEVENTH INNING SURGE ISN’T ENOUGH TO SPLIT

Lindsborg, Kan.- The Bethany College Swedes hosted the University of St. Mary Spires, Saturday, April 12^th for their Senior day weekend double header that started at 1pm.

Game 1: A nice start to the day with temperatures in the 70^os but with wind as a factor for both teams as the Swedes finished recognizing their seniors; Abigail Nitzel, Destiny Espinosa, Shantell Evans, and Tamia Butler. The Spires were first on the board after hitting two homeruns in the top of the 3^rd inning giving them a 0-4 advantage over Bethany.  The Swedes responded with a single to center field by Tamia Butler that gave way for Abigail Nitzel and Destiny Espinosa to score, 2-4. Followed by a 3 RBI homer by Ulissa Rivas to give Bethany the lead, 5-4 in the bottom of the 4^th inning.  St. Mary countered with two runs in the top of the 5^th giving them the 5-6 lead. But the Swedes didn't settle and Ulissa Rivas singled down the left field line allowing Tamia Butler to score to tie up the game at 6-6. Unfortunately, the Spires would find momentum in the top of the 6^th and would score 3 runs to finish out the game. Final score, 6-9, the Swedes fall by three.

Dylann Baker started in the circle for Bethany and faced 20 batters and threw 59 strikes out of 96 pitches. Ayianna Revels came into relieve Baker and she faced 11 batters and threw 14 strikes out of 30 pitches. To finish for the Swedes, Paris Hammer faced 5 batters and threw 16 strikes out of 29 pitches. Notable stats include, a 3RBI homerun to left field by Ulissa Rivas who finished with a total of 4 RBIs on 2 hits with 1 run, and Tamia Butler with 2 RBIs on 2 hits and 2 runs.

Game 2: Similar to the first game, the Spires scored first in the top of the 3^rd inning with two runs giving them a slight advantage, 0-2. The score would hold until the top of the 5^th with St. Mary scoring a third run, 0-3. However, the Swedes would answer with a single bunt by Abigail Nitzel who advanced on a throwing error by the pitcher which opened the door for Kalee Aguilar to score, 1-3. With the end in sight, the Spires scored once again in the top of the 7^th giving them the three-run lead, 1-4. But Bethany had other plans in mind and Shantell Evans ready to go in their arsenal. Shantell Evans homered to left field with Destiny Espinosa and Abigail Nitzel on base. The Swedes tied up the game at 4-4, forcing the extra inning. After placing a runner on 2^nd, the Spires got to work to earn a lead. After the top of the 8^th, St. Mary led by four, 8-4, leaving Bethany with one more chance to keep the dream alive. Ulissa Rivas singled to left field giving way for Samantha Gomez to score, 5-8. Unfortunately, that would be the only run for the Swedes. Final score after 8 innings, 5-8, the Swedes fall by three.

Jordyn Stelzig was on the mound to start for Bethany in Game 2 and faced 25 batters and threw 54 strikes out of 98 pitches. MacKenzie McCaslin came into relieve Stelzig and faced 13 batters and threw 29 strikes out of 53 pitches. Paris Hammer finished in the circle for Bethany and faced 5 batters and threw 7 strikes out of 10 pitches. Notable stats include, a 3RBI dinger to left field by Shantell Evans to force the game into extra innings.

Up Next…

Bethany College will be on the road, Wednesday, April 16^th, at McPherson College for a weekday double header starting at 1pm.

#RockarStockar!