Wildcats Split Doubleheader with Dakota State

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — The Bethel University Wildcats split a Friday doubleheader with Dakota State, falling in the opener 18–6 before bouncing back with an 8–6 victory in game two at Wildcat Park.

Game 1: Dakota State 18, Bethel 6

Dakota State used a pair of big innings to pull away from Bethel in the first game of the day.

After a quiet start, the Trojans broke the game open with seven runs in the fourth and another seven in the fifth to take control. Dakota State finished with 15 hits and was powered by Aidan Marsh, who blasted two home runs and drove in five runs.

Camaron Haller also had a strong performance at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Cameron DeMaria added three hits and two RBIs.

Bethel collected 13 hits in the loss. Cade Pilkinton led the Wildcats by going 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Zayden McCaslin went 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs. Connor Phinizy added a two-run double, and CJ Lattimore drove in a run.

Walker Ward took the loss on the mound for Bethel after allowing eight runs in four innings of work.

Game 2: Bethel 8, Dakota State 6

The Wildcats responded in game two, using a five-run third inning and a late three-run rally to secure the split.

Dakota State jumped out early with three runs in the second and another in the third to take a 4–0 lead. Bethel answered in the bottom of the third when Adriel Vega launched a three-run home run to highlight a five-run inning that gave the Wildcats their first lead of the game.

Dakota State tied the contest late with two runs in the seventh, but Bethel answered in the bottom half with three runs to seal the win.

Vega led the Wildcats offensively, finishing with three RBIs and two runs scored. Evan Cardwell added two hits and two RBIs, while Cade Pilkinton drove in two runs. CJ Lattimore also contributed an RBI and Tyler Webb and Juan Diego Ramos each added hits.

Zachary Zimmer pitched six strong innings for Bethel, allowing four runs while striking out four. Peyton Martin worked the final inning on the mound.

The Wildcats finished with nine hits in the nightcap and improved to 5–13 on the season with the win.

The Wildcats finished the day 5-13 while DSU left the park at 6-13.

The teams play a doubleheader Saturday beginning at noon.