Wildcats Drop Doubleheader to St. Ambrose University

 MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel University Wildcats fell in both games of Friday's doubleheader to St. Ambrose University at Wildcat Park, dropping the opener 5-0 before falling 11-5 in game two.

Game One:

The Fighting Bees used a steady offensive attack and a strong outing on the mound to secure the shutout victory in the first game of the day. St. Ambrose plated two runs in the second inning and added three more in the seventh to create separation. Michael Rago provided the big swing with a home run and two RBIs, while Mason Heitzler and Bryce Vorwald each drove in a run. Eric Gonzalez led the way at the plate, going 3-for-3 and scoring once. Connor Bird tossed a complete-game three-hit shutout, striking out four and limiting Bethel's opportunities throughout the afternoon. The Wildcats managed just three hits in the contest, with Juan Diego Ramos, Evan Cardwell, and Cade Pilkinton accounting for Bethel's offense. Pilkinton added a double, but the Wildcats were unable to string together timely hits. Walker Ward went the distance on the mound for Bethel, striking out six over seven innings.

 Game Two:

Game two saw offensive production from both sides, but a big sixth inning from the Fighting Bees proved decisive. St. Ambrose built an early 3-1 advantage through the first three innings before erupting for seven runs across in the fifth and sixth frames. Bryce Vorwald drove in three runs, while Michael Stupavsky and Mason Heitzler each drove I two runs. Eric Gonzalez added a solo home run as part of a 12-hit effort. Bethel answered late, scoring four runs in the seventh inning to cut into the deficit. Juan Diego Ramos led the Wildcats with two hits and two RBIs, while Garrett Taylor launched a solo home run. Connor Phinizy and Evan Cardwell also drove in runs during the rally. Adriel Vega, Zayden McCaslin, Galvin Sims, and Kaidan Ingram each recorded hits as Bethel finished with 10 in the nightcap.

After the game, head coach Rusty Thompson emphasized the need for consistency. "We've got to be sharper in all phases," Thompson said. "There were moments where we competed well, especially late in the second game, but against a good club you can't give away innings. We'll learn from it, get back to work, and be ready tomorrow."

 Bethel fell to 2-8 on the season and will look to bounce back as the series continues at Wildcat Park. The Bees improved to 5-5.

The teams play another doubleheader on Saturday with action beginning at noon.