April 18, 2023 | by Taylor Pill

LEAD

WHEELING, Ill. -- The Sabercats had limited bright spots in a doubleheader at Trinity International today, falling in both games at Heritage Park while scoring a combined five runs.

Michael Cripps and Teddy Haugen both had three hits on the day, Haugen logged a double and a triple for two RBIs on the day. Cripps added an RBI and Joe Anderson recorded two hits, an RBI, and a double in the two-game series.

OVERVIEW

• Result Game One: Maranatha 1-16 Trinity Int'l
• Result Game Two: Maranatha 4-13 Trinity Int'l
• Venue: Heritage Park Sports Complex
• Location: Wheeling, Ill.
• Attendance: -
• Records: MBU (1-16), TIU (17-22)

STORY

The first game was a pitchers' duel until the fourth inning, when the Sabercats tied things up 1-1 through an RBI single from Cripps. But Trinity promptly answered, plating five runs in the next three innings to run away with a 6-1 win.

It was the Sabercats' game to lose, as Maranatha out-hit Trinity 8-6, but the Trojans turned two key double plays on the day to maintain the edge. Blake Lazaris did some damage from Trinity, driving in two runs with a triple and scoring a run in a 1-3 showing at the plate. Jonathan Kumai was the only Trojan to manage two hits in the game, as Anderson and Jared Martin combined to allow just six hits.

The second game was the highlight reel at the plate, as the two teams combined for 17 runs - 13 belonging to the hosts. Haugen and Tim Nickels recorded two hits apiece for Maranatha while Anderson (a double) and Jonathan Piranian both had hits in game two. Haugen and Nickels were responsible for all four RBIs, as Haugen's triple brought home Anderson and Ty Smith. Nickels recorded a double and a single, both times driving in runs to give the Sabercats something to smile about on the offensive end.

The two wins means that the Trojans sweep the season series so far. The two teams will meet again Monday in Watertown for the final two games in the six-game showdown this season.

--

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

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

STATS

• Box Score (Game One)
• Box Score (Game Two)
• Last Time: Trinity Int'l swept Maranatha in a double-header last Monday, 4/10 (15-2, 3-0) 
• Series: Trinity Int'l leads the all-time series 18-1

OPPONENTS

• Trinity Int'l competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic (NAIA)
• Trinity Int'l finished the 2022 season with a record of 17-31
• This is Trinity's last season with a program

NEXT

The Sabercats return home to Watertown, Wisconsin for their home opener against Grace Christian. The double header will take place Friday, April 21, starting at 3 p.m.  Follow at mbusabercats.com/schedule.