LEAD

WHEELING, Ill. -- The Sabercats came agonizingly close to their first win of the season but got walked off, falling twice today at Trinity International University.

It was a day of costly mistakes, as errors and inconsistent base-running proved to be killer blows for the Blue and Gold in the end.

OVERVIEW

• Game One: Maranatha 2-9 Trinity International
• Game Two: Maranatha 8-9 Trinity International
• Venue: Heritage Park Sports Complex
• Location: Wheeling, Ill.
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (0-7), TIU (12-20) 

STORY 

In game one, the Sabercats couldn't take advantage of two base hits in the top of the first, as Ty Smith and Kyle Cummins both singled. Cummins would single again in the third, which was when things evened out after two straight balks gave the Sabercats a bizarre first run. Maranatha combined for three hits in the fourth and fifth innings but had nothing to show for the contact until the seventh inning, when Michael Cripps smashed his first career hit - a triple to right - and scored off a ground ball from his brother, David Cripps.

Trinity had scored three runs in the first two innings before making it a 5-1 game in the fourth. A big sixth inning was the key moment for TIU, as they knocked in four runs off four hits to make an emphatic final statement.

When the dust settled, Trinity sealed the first game 9-2. Smith and Cummins, and Nate Croswell had two hits apiece in the first game, as the veterans gave the Sabercats' hitting some new life.

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The hitting continued in game two, as the Sabercats showed their patience at the plate. Maranatha would compile eight hits and draw 10 walks, getting on base by any means possible. In the first inning, Jonah Bailey knocked in a run with a single to bring home David Cripps, and Croswell notched his first RBI of the day in the very next at-bat.

But Trinity answered with three runs in the bottom of the first. Game on.

Croswell kept his foot on the gas in the third, notching another RBI in his next trip to the plate when he brought Cummins in. Bailey then showed some heads-up base-running and scored on a wild pitch and the Sabercats had the lead again just like that. The Sabercats left the bases loaded in the fifth, which proved to be critical in the end. Micah Bailey walked in a run with the bases packed but was caught in a pickoff play for the third out of the inning. Trinity sensed the momentum shift and took an 8-5 lead by scoring five runs in the bottom of the inning.

But just as quickly as they lost the momentum, the Sabercats found it again in the sixth. Smith and Cummins continued their hot day at the plate with singles, and Tim Nickels, Jonah Bailey, and Croswell all knocked in runs in consecutive at-bats. Just like that it was tied at eight.

But the dagger came in the bottom of the seventh when Trinity walked it off by taking advantage of a Sabercats' throwing error after a leadoff double.

With the Sabercats coming so close, they're already looking forward to hosting TIU on Tuesday the 26th - a chance for some cold revenge.

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Maranatha Lineup (Game One) - 7- D. Cripps (C), 19- T. Smith (SS), 8- Cummins (P), 23- Nickels (1B), 4- J. Bailey (3B), 3- Croswell (2B), 15- J. Piranian (LF), 2- M. Bailey (CF), 10- M. Cripps (RF)

Maranatha Lineup (Game Two) - 7- D. Cripps (C), 19- T. Smith (SS), 8- Cummins (1B), 23- Nickels (DH), 4- J. Bailey (3B), 3- Croswell (2B), 15- J. Piranian (LF), 2- M. Bailey (CF), 10- M. Cripps (RF), 6- Ratledge (RHP)

STATS

• Box Score Game One (Link)
• Box Score Game Two (Link)

OPPONENTS

• Trinity International competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (NAIA)
• Trinity International began their season in February with an extended trip to Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky
• Trinity International lost in the CCAC Tournament to Roosevelt in extra innings to finish last season

NEXT

The Sabercats will travel to Rockford University in Illinois tomorrow for a doubleheader at 3:00 p.m. Details at mbusabercats.com.