MCKENZIE, Tenn. – To say the Bethel Wildcat pitching staff was dominant this weekend over Culver-Stockton would be an understatement. After winning 3-0 Friday, the Wildcats swept the visiting Wildcats Saturday 1- 0 and 6-0 in a pair of games at the Kahlden Complex.
In game one the Cats scored a single run in the first and it proved to be all they needed as Bethel's Trevor Bishop struck out nine batters and tossed a complete game three-hitter. Jonny Damon suffered the loss for Culver-Stockton.
In game two the Cats scored four runs in the fourth and added two runs in the sixth to complete the three game weekend sweep. Sunday's game was rained out. Giovannie Nieves, Danny Lara and Billy Price combined for the four hitter with Nieves picking up the victory. Aaron Seward was charged with Culver-Stockton loss.
Baylor Steelman, Nicholas Proto and Juan Torres each drove in single runs for the Wildcats. Austin Brenner drove in two runs for the Cats who ran their record to 5-2 on the season. Culver-Stockton dropped to 0-3.
The Bethel pitching staff allowed just 12 hits in the three games.
Coach Rusty Thompson was pleased with his team's effort and their reaction to the rough weather conditions. "We are very happy with the way our guys competed over these three games. Temperatures were rough but we didn't let it affect us in our play. Pitching and defense were both simply terrific. Three shutouts means you had to do a lot of things right. We paid attention to the little things and for that matter the big things as well. Our staff couldn't be more proud of the way our guys competed. We are excited to get back out this weekend and play ONU in what has been a great match-up each season."
The Wildcats return to action Friday and Saturday hosting Olivet Nazarene in doubleheaders both days beginning at noon. The four game series each year is billed as the Civil War Series.
