MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcats earned a split in their twin bill with the Pikeville Bears Friday afternoon in McKenzie. After losing game one 6-5 the Cats bounced back with a 7-4 victory in game two.
Jacob Foster and Jack Surber led Bethel in game one with three hits each. Sebastian Cortes drove in two runs while Nick Proto drove in a single run. The Cats outhit the Bears 10-9 but left eight runners stranded in the game. A three-run eighth by the Bears proved to be the key difference in the game. Alexis Rodriquez was charged with the loss while UPIKES's Collin Fenili was credited with the win.
Game two saw the Wildcats score three runs in the first, add single runs in the third and fourth and then finish with two big runs in the sixth to cap off the win. Juan Torres, Cortes and John Figuroa each had doubles in the game. Surber, Hunter Hudson and Baylor Steelman each drove in single runs for the Cats. The Bears outhit the Wildcats 7-6 but committed four errors in the game. Brandon Degnegaard was the winner while Giovannie Nieves was credited with the save.
Coach Rusty Thompson commented, "We are pleased with the bounce back win in game two. Game one was disappointing as we stranded too many runners and had our chances. The late runs hurt us as well. We need to refocus and get ready for tomorrow. That is what this game is all about."
The teams return to action for a nine inning single game beginning at noon at the Kahlden Complex.
Live stats: http://www.dakstats.com/Websync/Pages/Webcasts.aspx?association=10
