Cats Split Doubleheader with ONU in Civil War Series
Game 1: Bethel Edges Out Olivet Nazarene in a Thriller
MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The opening game of the doubleheader between Olivet Nazarene and the Bethel Wildcats at Kahlden Complex was nothing short of a nail-biter. Bethel managed to eke out an 8-7 victory in a game filled with explosive offense and dramatic swings of momentum.
Olivet Nazarene got on the board early with a run in the first inning, but Bethel responded immediately to even the score at 1-1. After three quiet innings, the action ramped up in the fourth when Olivet erupted for five runs, highlighted by a three-run home run from Takumi Kimoto and a two-RBI hit from Jack Dupuis.
Bethel refused to go down without a fight. A solo home run from Ivan Vega in the bottom of the fourth kept them within striking distance. A steady climb followed, with Bethel adding runs in the fifth and sixth innings before a late-game rally sealed the win. Rivers Moffatt's clutch two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth tied the game, completing their comeback. Moments later, Jared Hall delivered a game winning RBI single driving in Ivan Vega giving the Cats a comeback victory.
Despite a strong offensive showing from Olivet Nazarene, their pitching faltered late. Starter Joey Boland gave up three runs in four innings, while reliever Michael Freitas struggled, allowing two runs without recording an out. Bethel's bullpen, anchored by Matt Ray's scoreless seventh inning, secured the victory.
Bethel pounded out 13 hits in the win.
Game 2: Olivet Nazarene Wins Series with a 5-2 Victory in Game Two
With redemption on their minds, Olivet Nazarene rebounded in the second game of the doubleheader, securing a 5-2 win. This time, their pitching held firm, allowing only two hits while striking out eight.
Bethel struck first, plating a run in the first inning, but Olivet Nazarene remained composed. The breakthrough came in the fourth inning when Olivet strung together a series of timely hits, including a two-run double by Sam Reczek. Aden Aukland and Jack Dupuis each contributed RBIs to give Olivet a comfortable 4-1 lead.
Jacob Aseltine took the mound in relief and was dominant, tossing 4.2 innings of one-run baseball while fanning seven. The only blemish came in the fifth inning when Bethel managed to scratch across a run, but Aseltine remained composed and closed the door on any comeback attempts.
Olivet Nazarene tacked on an insurance run in the seventh inning before securing the final three outs to even the series. Bethel's offensive struggles in the second game were apparent, as they mustered just two hits against Olivet's pitching staff.
Jack Beck and Thomas each had an RBI for the Wildcats.
ONU outhit Bethel 6-2. Each team stranded eight runners in the game.
With the split, Olivet Nazarene moved to 4-3 on the season, while Bethel dropped to 5-6. The competitive doubleheader highlighted both teams' strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
Bethel travels to Blue Mountain on Tuesday with action beginning at 3 p.m.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/xMbS5CQoc-c
Stats: https://naiastats.prestosports.com/sports/bsb/2024-25/boxscores/20250225_3aqu.xml
Tickets: https://bmcusports.com/sports/2023/2/27/tickets.aspx