April 4, 2023 -- Maranatha Athletics 

LEAD

BELOIT, Wis. -- Maranatha couldn't get the job done in Beloit, scoring only one run on the night. The Bucs swept the Sabercats 17-0 and 9-1 in the double-header.

OVERVIEW

• Results: Maranatha 0-17 Beloit (5-innings)
• Results: Maranatha 1-9 Beloit (6-innings)
• Venue: Strong Complex Field - Beloit College
• Location: Beloit, Wis.
• Records: MBU (0-6), NCU (8-10)

STORY

Maranatha felt a little out of place going into last night's games in Beloit. The Sabercats were down two starting infielders, which required a line-up "change-up". 

The Sabercats did what they could to fill the roles they were assigned, but nerves and a lack of communication seemed to get the best of them and before they knew it the Bucs had taken a 6-0 lead at the bottom of the first. 

While this was the most runs the Bucs would get on the Sabercats in a single inning, they continued to have a great day at the plate, recording 20 hits in the game which is only five shy of their school record. 

On the other hand, Maranatha struggled to get the bats going in game one. Beloit's Samantha Friedrichsohn pulled of a 5-inning no hitter in her teams 17-0 win. 

The Sabercats came out in game two as a whole new team. While they still failed to get a run at the end of the first inning, Maranatha's first four batters were all able to put the bat on the ball. 

Giving Bethany Searle a well needed break, Dani Chaney took the pitcher's mound for the first time in her career and did her job. Facing only four batters, the Sabercats were able to close out the first and head back to the duggout with the score still 0-0.

The Bucs were the first to make it on the board, scoring two runs by the end of the second. But Maranatha was not phased by this lead and Chaney put herself in scoring position after drilling a double to left-center field. Chaney was not left on base for long as Ashley Nerat came to the plate and sent the first pitch out to right-center, bringing Chaney home and getting the Sabercats on the board for the first time all night. 

While the Sabercats continued to play an overall decent game, the Bucs were able to keep placing the ball just out of Maranatha's reach, finishing the game at the end of the sixth inning (9-1). With that win, Beloit improved their winning streak to seven games.

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Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Chaney (C), Searle (P), Baggett (1B), Butler (2B), Neret (SS), Bates (3B), Mikkelson (LF), Reid (CF), Swaffer (RF)

Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Nerat (C), Chaney (P), Baggett (1B), Butler (2B), Searle (SS), Bates (3B), Mikkelson (LF), Reid (CF), Swaffer (RF)

STATS

• Box Score: Game 1
• Box Score: Game 2
• Series: Beloit leads the overall series against Maranatha, 16-2

OPPONENTS

• Beloit competes in the Midwest Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Beloit finished the 2022 season with a record of 12-23

NEXT

The Sabercats have their home opener with a doubleheader against Martin Luther on Thursday starting at 3:00 p.m. Details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.