MISHAWAKA – Bethel Baseball split a series-opening doubleheader against Spring Arbor on Thursday, with a late comeback attempt falling just short in a 7-5 defeat in game one before responding with a come-from-behind 3-2 win in game two. Eli MacDonald led the charge in game one while Dominic Deisler took care of game two, each recording a two-run homer on the day.
GAME VITALS
- Game 1 Score: Spring Arbor def. Bethel 7-5
- Game 2 Score: Bethel def. Spring Arbor 3-2
- Records: Bethel (20-26, 14-16) | Spring Arbor (22-22-1, 13-17)
- NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll: Bethel – NR | Huntington – NR
- Location: Jenkins Stadium | Bethel University | Mishawaka, Ind.
GAME 1 STAT TRACKER
- Andrew Miranda: 2-3, 2B, SB, 2 BB
- Jeremy Wiersema: 2-5, SB, RBI
- Eli MacDonald: 2-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, R
- Andrew Sarno: 2-5, 2B, R
GAME 2 STAT TRACKER
- Dominic Deisler: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI, R
- Eli MacDonald: 1-3, 2B, RBI
- Alex Stout: 0-0, 2 BB, R
- Brad VanOverberghe: 2.1 IP, W, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K
INSIDE THE BOXSCORES
- Six different Pilots recorded two hits in game one.
- Eli MacDonald extended his hitting streak to 13 straight games and has reached base safely in all 32 games he's played in this season. He has six doubles and two home runs in his current hitting streak.
- Dominic Deisler belted his team-leading fourth home run of the season in game two, with home runs coming on Feb. 20, two on Mar. 21, and today, Apr. 21.
- The Pilots earned their 20th win of the season—their first time since 2017 hitting the 20-win mark.
- In game one, assistant coach Kiel Boynton was tossed from the game while coaching first base after arguing a possible balk followed by a pick-off of Jeremy Wiersema at first base.
- Brad VanOverberghe picks up his first win of the season in relief in game two, allowing just one hit across 2.1 innings of work.
NEXT TIME OUT
- The Pilots finish the series with Spring Arbor at Jenkins Stadium on Saturday at 1:00 pm.
For the latest information on each of Bethel University's 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, visit BUPilots.com or follow the Pilots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BUPilots or on YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.