March 21, 2023 / by Ashley Nerat

LEAD

PIPPA PASSES, Ky. -- The Sabercats couldn't get things done in their double-header against Alice Lloyd this afternoon. They fell 0-13 in the first game and 2-11 in the second. 

Maranatha continues their trip in Kentucky with a single game against Berea on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. EST.

OVERVIEW

• Result - Game 1: Maranatha 0-13 Alice Lloyd
• Result - Game 2: Maranatha 2-11 Alice Lloyd
• Venue: Fred Mullinax Athletic Field - Alice Lloyd College
• Location: Pippa Passes, Ky.
• Records: MBU (0-2), ALC (6-14)

STORY

Alice Lloyd wasted no time getting on the board. A double hit out to the left field by the Eagles' Tj Mullins brought in the first run of the game at the bottom of the first.  Maranatha's defense could not put a stop to Alice Lloyd who recorded 12 hits and 13 runs in the game. 

While the Eagles maintained control throughout the entire game, it was the bottom of the fourth that really sealed the deal. Alice Lloyd connected with the ball for six hits and brought home six runners before Sabercat pitcher Michael Cripps put an end to the inning with a strikeout. 

At the top of the sixth inning, the Sabercats were finally able to start something at the plate. They recorded two of their three hits, which came from Foster Fredrickson and M. Cripps. But the Sabercats' hopes for a run were cut short after the Eagles recorded a double-play to close out the top of the inning. Maranatha eventually fell 0-13.

Things seemed to be off to a better start for Maranatha in game two as the Sabercats' lead-off batter, David Cripps singled with a fly ball to second. Cripps was able to advance himself to third base, putting him in the perfect position to score from Ty Smith's pop-out to center field. Back-to-back doubles from Teddy Haugen and Joe Anderson gave the Sabercats a 2-0 lead over the Eagles at the end of the first inning.

The Maranatha defense kept the momentum going as they took to the field for defense. Already with two outs, Alice Lloyd's, Noah Dingess sent a line drive out to center resulting in a triple. But the Sabercats left him stranded at third as they closed out the inning with some clean in-fielding. 

Even though the Sabercats were able to connect with a few more pitches, finishing with 10 hits in the game, they just couldn't find their way home after the first inning. Alice Lloyd, however, was able to turn things around at the bottom of the second and stole the lead from Maranatha after bringing in three runners off of three hits. 

While the Eagles only had two more total hits than the Sabercats in the game, they were able to execute better on the bases. They finished Maranatha off 11-2.

Joe Anderson led Maranatha on the day with four hits and one run. Ty Smith and Teddy Haugen recorded the RBIs in game two. 

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Maranatha Lineup (Game One) - D. Cripps (C), Smith (SS), Anderson (1B), Martin (P), Nickels (RF), M. Cripps (CF), Cook (3B), Fredrickson (2B), Piranian (LF), Haugen (DH)

Maranatha Lineup (Game Two) - D. Cripps (C), Smith (SS), Anderson (1B), Haugen (P), Nickels (RF), M. Cripps (CF), Martin (3B), Fredrickson (2B), Piranian (LF)

STATS

• Box Score Game One
• Box Score Game Two
• Last Time: This was the first game between Maranatha and Alice Lloyd
• Series: Alice Lloyd now leads the series against Maranatha 2-0

OPPONENTS

• Alice Lloyd competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association - Dl Mideast Region (NAIA)
• Alice Lloyd finished the 2022 season with a record of 3-21

NEXT

The Sabercats travel to Berea, Kentucky to take on Berea College on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. EDT. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.