Wildcats & Tigers Split Slugfest

MCKENZIE, Tenn. - In two high scoring affairs at the Kahlden Complex (Wildcat Park), the Bethel University Wildcats faced off against the Campbellsville Tigers Thursday in their Mid-South Conference openers.

The word attrition would describe the twin bill that took over eight hours to play.

The Cats fell 11-8 in game one in eight innings.

Bethel won 15-13 in dramatic fashion in game two which went 12 innings.  

The teams combined for 47 runs, 52 hits, 27 walks, nine errors and 13 home runs.  

Game one started unfavorably for the Wildcats as they quickly fell behind with Campbellsville scoring four runs in the first inning. Despite the early deficit, Bethel showed resilience. The Wildcats managed to rally back in the 3rd and 6th innings, scoring three runs in each, thanks to notable performances from players like CJ Thomas, Cade Pilkinton, Adriel Vega, Juan Diego Ramos, and Zack Griffith, each contributing significantly to the scoreboard and RBIs. Thomas, Pilkinton, Ramos, and Griffith also managed to hit home runs, adding to the excitement for Bethel fans despite the scoreline. The quartet hit four straight back-to-back homers. Jared Hall drove in two runs for Bethel.

Bret Bowers of Campbellsville showcased a dominant performance with two home runs and seven RBIs, which played a pivotal role in Bethel's struggles throughout the game. The Wildcats' efforts in the late innings were commendable but not enough to turn the tide against the high-scoring Campbellsville squad.

Bethel actually out hit the Tigers 19-8. There was a total of 14 walks in the game.

 Walker Ward suffered the Wildcat loss.

Game two saw the Tigers put together another explosive first inning. A five-spot followed by a two run second gave Campbellsville a 7-0 lead after two innings. The Cats battled back and trailed 7-4 after four. After the Tigers took an 8-4 lead in the top of the fifth, the Cats scored three in the bottom of the inning to make it 8-7. CU scored a single run in the seventh to take a 9-7 lead. The Wildcats scored four in the bottom of the seventh to lead 11-9. The game became even wilder when the Tigers tied the game in the top of the ninth. The Tigers scored two in the top of the top of the tenth to lead 13-11. The Cats came off the ropes again and tied the game with two runs in the bottom of the inning.

Jared Hall's dramatic two run homer gave the Cats the wild 15-13 victory. Hall finished the day with four runs driven in. Jose Olmeda had two home runs and drove in six runs.

Zach Zimmer picked up the Wildcat win.

Behel is 13-8 and 1-1 on the season. Campbellsville is 19-8 and 1-1.

Due to predicted high winds and safety travels, Saturday's game between the Tigers and Wildcats has been cancelled.