Wildcats’ win series opener over McKendree College;

Matt Swinea, Sports Information Director

McKenzie, Tenn. – The Bethel Wildcat baseball team captured their third win on the young season with a 9-6 victory over McKendree College (Ill.).  McKendree is a quality baseball team and received votes in the 2007 NAIA pre-season poll.

Bethel was able to open a five run lead after two innings that was partially aided by three Bearcat errors.  The Wildcats also got strong starting pitching from Tyler Newman (Jr./Henderson, Tenn.) who went five innings.  McKendree pushed across three runs, two earned on five hits through Newman’s five innings.  The Bearcats tied the game in the seventh as they got two runs off reliever Brian Winston (Sr./McKenzie, Tenn.).  Winston was lifted after only a third of an inning of work as Landon Wood (Jr./Lexington, Tenn.) came in to close the door.  Wood pitched three and two thirds innings giving up only three hits and one earned run as he got the win.

Offensively, Bethel got nine hits, and was patient at the plate drawing seven walks.  Lead-off hitter and shortstop Scott Dean (Fr./Jackson, Tenn.) was 1 for 4 with two base on balls and two runs scored.  Newman helped his own cause going 2 for 3 with two RBI.  Tanner Hall (Jr./Wingo, Ky.) also contributed at the plate going 2 for 3 with a RBI and a base on balls.  Right fielder Heath Sharp (So./Fayetteville, Tenn.) was 1 for 5 with a RBI and a run scored.  Jonathon Keck (Fr./Lexington, Tenn.) was 1 for 4 with a run scored.  Jim Evans (Fr./Jackson, Tenn.) was o for 3 but had two RBI with a sac fly and a base on balls. 

The Wildcats are now 3-1-1 on the season.  They will continue their series against McKendree with a double header on Monday, February, 19, 2007 at 12:00pm.