Wildcats Sweep Oaks

MCKENZIE, Tenn. -The Bethel Wildcats completed a three-game series sweep over the Oakland City Oaks with a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Wildcat Park at the Kahlden Complex Sunday afternoon. The win propels Bethel to a 9-6 record on the season. The Oaks fell 9-8.

Pitching Dominance Leads the Way

Bethel's pitching staff showcased its depth and resilience, holding the Oaks to just two runs on seven hits over nine innings. Starter Zach Zimmer set the tone, delivering five solid innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out one. The bullpen maintained the momentum with Bishop Woods, Nathan Rhodes, JJ Gray, and Klayton Wright combining for four innings of relief, giving up just one run.

JJ Gray navigated a tricky eighth inning, surrendering a run on a hit and two walks but managed to escape without further damage. Klayton Wright closed out the game, securing the save with a scoreless ninth.

Early Runs Make the Difference

Bethel struck first in the opening frame as Jared Hall, who went 2-for-4 on the day, doubled and later scored, giving the Wildcats a 1-0 lead. The Oaks responded in the third inning when Mason Simon delivered an RBI single to tie the game.

The Wildcats regained the lead in the bottom half of the third. Jack Beck knocked in a run with a single, and Ivan Vega extended the lead to 3-1 with a well-placed sacrifice. Vega, showing discipline at the plate, collected two RBI's despite going hitless.

Oaks Rally Falls Short

Oakland City managed to chip away at the deficit in the eighth inning. Xander Willis, who contributed with two hits and an RBI, scored to make it a 3-2 game. Despite the late push, the Oaks could not break through against Bethel's bullpen, leaving 11 runners stranded throughout the contest.

Reliever Chase Rubenacker was a bright spot for Oakland City, tossing 3.2 perfect innings with four strikeouts, keeping his team within striking distance.

Defensive Miscues Prove Costly

Errors played a pivotal role in the game's outcome. Oakland City played clean defense, but Bethel committed three errors, all infield miscues by Juan Diego Ramos and Luis Aristud. The Oaks couldn't capitalize on these mistakes, managing only two runs despite having seven hits and drawing five walks.

Up Next for the Wildcats

The Wildcats hit the road on Wednesday to face UT Southern before returning home for a weekend series against Waldorf. With the series sweep, Bethel has momentum on their side as they head into the next stretch of games.

Bethel's balanced approach, with timely hitting and stellar pitching, makes them a team to watch as they continue their season.