March 28, 2023 | by Taylor Pill

LEAD

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Sabercats struggled with missed opportunities in a doubleheader at Kalamazoo College, falling in two lopsided games to the reigning MIAA Champions at Woodworth Field.

Five errors plagued the Sabercats in game one, and a well-oiled Hornets' pitching staff limited Maranatha to just one hit in a five-inning second game of the day.

OVERVIEW

• Result Game One: Maranatha 2-15 Kalamazoo
• Result Game Two: Maranatha 0-17 Kalamazoo (5 innings)
• Venue: Woodworth Field - Kalamazoo College
• Location: Kalamazoo, Mich.
• Attendance: 56
• Records: MBU (0-7), KC (12-5)

STORY

Kalamazoo exploded right out of the gate to start the day, plating seven runs off of six hits (two doubles) in the bottom of the first. Tim Nickels' double generated a hot start to the second inning for Maranatha, but they would strand two runners and be silenced offensively until the fourth inning.

Going into the top of the fourth trailing 13-0, Maranatha produced their bright point of the day offensively, when back-to-back singles from Judson Martin and David Cripps loaded the bases. A sacrifice fly from Joe Cook scored the Sabercats' first run of the day, and heads-up baserunning from Michael Cripps capitalized on a throwing error for another run.

The Sabercats limited the Hornets to just two runs in the final three innings, but the two-run fourth was all the damage the Sabercats could inflict.

The story of the second game revolved around the Hornets' defense and depth of pitching staff, as four pitchers combined for a one-hitter in a defensive showcase for the hosts. Kalamazoo's Ryar Rinehart was the danger man at the plate, going 3-4 with four runs scored, five RBIs, and three doubles on the day to fuel the fire for the Hornets. 

David Cripps extended his hitting streak to four games with a single in the third inning, but that was the only hit for MBU. 

All in all, the Hornets defended their home diamond with tenacity, taking home a couple of commanding wins in a well-oiled doubleheader.

--

Maranatha Lineup (Game One) - 7- D. Cripps C, 19- Smith SS, 9- Anderson 1B, 18- Haugen P, 23- Nickels RF, 4- M. Cripps CF, 17- Ju. Martin 3B, 15- Cook LF, 2- Fredrickson 2B

Maranatha Lineup (Game Two) - 7- D. Cripps C, 19- Smith SS, 9- Anderson 3B, 18- Haugen 1B, 23- Nickels RF, 4- M. Cripps CF, 17- Ju. Martin P, 15- Cook LF, 2- Fredrickson 2B

STATS

• Box Score (Game One)
• Box Score (Game Two)
• Last Time: This is the first meeting between Kalamazoo and Maranatha 
• Series: Kalamazoo now leads the all-time series 2-0

OPPONENTS

• Kalamazoo competes in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NCAA-Dlll)
• Kalamazoo finished the 2022 season with a record of 27-13
• Kalamazoo went undefeated in last seasons MIAA tournament
• Kalamazoo fell to Marietta, last season, early in the NCAA Regional Tournament

NEXT

The Sabercats take on Grace Christian on Friday at 2:30 p.m. in a doubleheader in Kentwood, Michigan. Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.