Cats Split Day Two Versus Culver Stockton
Game 1:
Bethel Drops Opener in Doubleheader Against Culver-Stockton
In a game that came down to missed opportunities and late-inning execution, Bethel's Wildcats let the first game of a doubleheader slip away, falling 5-4 to Culver-Stockton. Despite a late push in the seventh, the Wildcats couldn't overcome an early deficit and key defensive miscues.
Early Struggles and Costly Errors
Culver-Stockton wasted no time getting on the board, striking for two runs in the first inning off Bethel starter Reese Ellison (L, 0-1). The damage came from a pair of singles, aggressive baserunning, and a sacrifice fly that put Bethel on their heels early.
Ellison ran into more trouble in the third when Tristan Meny launched a solo home run, extending the lead to 3-0. The Bethel defense didn't help matters, as an error by Zack Griffith in the fourth allowed another run to cross, making it 4-1.
Wildcats Battle Back
Despite the early hole, Bethel showed resilience. Garrett Taylor's second inning double set up their first run, scoring on Zack Griffith's RBI groundout. In the third, Jack Beck delivered a clutch RBI single, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
However, missed chances haunted the Wildcats. They stranded nine runners, including a bases-loaded opportunity in the sixth where they failed to bring home a run.
Late-Inning Drama
Culver-Stockton tacked on a crucial insurance run in the seventh off reliever Tristian Seputis, stretching the lead to 5-2. Bethel made things interesting in the bottom half when Bryce Hayes and Adriel Vega worked walks to put runners on. An RBI single from Griffith and a sacrifice fly by Ivan Vega made it 5-4, but with the tying run at second, Isaiah Naylor (Save, 1) shut the door with a game-ending groundout.
Key Takeaways
Stranded Runners – Bethel left nine men on base, missing multiple scoring chances.
Errors Proved Costly – Two defensive miscues led to unearned runs for Culver-Stockton.
Solid Bullpen Work – Bishop Woods and Klayton Wright combined for 3.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Tristan Meny's Big Day – Culver-Stockton's first baseman drove in two runs, including a homer that set the tone early.
Game 2:
Bethel Powers Past Culver-Stockton in Offensive Slugfest, Splitting Doubleheader
After a tough loss in Game 1, Bethel responded in a big way, outslugging Culver-Stockton 15-10 in Game 2 of the doubleheader. The Wildcats' offense exploded for 14 hits, including a towering home run from Jared Hall, and a relentless attack that saw them score in five of six innings.
Early Fireworks Set the Tone
Both teams came out swinging in a game that quickly turned into a high-scoring affair. Bethel struck first in the opening inning on a Zack Griffith sacrifice fly, but Culver-Stockton answered with a three-run second inning, fueled by a two-run blast from Tristan Meny.
Bethel, however, wasted no time responding. In the bottom half of the second, they erupted for four runs, highlighted by Jared Hall's three-run triple, giving Bethel a 5-3 lead.
Back-and-Forth Battle
Culver-Stockton clawed back with another three-run fourth inning, thanks to Kannon Kirk's second homer of the game, knotting things at 7-7. But just when it seemed momentum might shift, Bethel delivered the knockout blow in the bottom of the fifth.
The Wildcats sent 12 batters to the plate, racking up eight runs on a barrage of hits, including back-to-back doubles from Ivan Vega and Jack Beck, and a two-run single by Garrett Taylor. When the dust settled, Bethel held a commanding 15-7 lead.
Bullpen Holds the Lead
Despite Culver-Stockton's persistent offense, Bethel's bullpen, led by Tristian Seputis (2.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K), managed to keep them at bay. Owen Boswell (W, 1-0) picked up the win in relief, throwing 0.2 scoreless innings and escaping a bases-loaded jam in the fourth.
Culver-Stockton tried to rally with a four-run sixth inning, but by then, the damage had been done. Bethel's offense proved too much to overcome, sealing their third win of the season.
Key Performances
- Jared Hall (RF, Bethel) – 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
- Garrett Taylor (SS, Bethel) – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
- Zack Griffith (1B, Bethel) – 1-for-4, 3 RBI
Takeaways
Bethel's offense is dangerous – After struggling to capitalize in Game 1, the Wildcats found their rhythm, scoring 15 runs on 14 hits.
Culver-Stockton's defense faltered – Four errors led to extra opportunities for Bethel, which proved costly.
Bullpen did just enough – Despite allowing 10 runs, Bethel's relievers prevented a full comeback, with Seputis closing out the final two innings.
Coach Rusty Thompson commented, "It's always rewarding to win a series. Give credit to their starter in game one. He pitched an excellent game. I was pleased with how we responded and bounced back in game two. We executed well in several areas, and I'm optimistic about our continued development. This group of young men has great potential, and we will remain focused on growing and improving together."
Looking Ahead
Bethel (3-1) will look to build on this offensive outburst as they continue their early-season schedule, hitting the road to Montgomery, AL, for a challenging doubleheader against #18 Faulkner University and Saint Francis. These matchups will test the Wildcats' momentum against strong competition as they aim to keep their bats hot and pitching sharp.
Article by Derrick Hubble: SID Assistant