THE LEAD

LOVES PARK, Ill. -- Maranatha ended the day with some positives, scoring 7 runs in their second loss of the day to Rockford University.

Taylor Thome went 2-3 with 4 RBI in the second game of the series, which was moved to Rockford yesterday due to unplayable field conditions in Watertown.

THE OVERVIEW

• Results: Maranatha 0-13 Rockford (5 innings), Maranatha 7-15 Rockford
• Venue: Mercyhealth Sportscore Two
• Location: Loves Park, Ill.
• Records: MBU (2-4), RU (6-2)

THE STORY

The first two innings told the story of the game and basically decided it at the same time - Rockford scored 12 runs in their first two at-bats as a team, putting the Sabercats on the back foot. From there, Rockford coasted to a 5-inning win behind the stellar pitching of Mariah Martinez, who led the Regents by allowing just 4 hits in the game. 

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The second game of the day was a slugfest, as the teams combined for 22 runs. Thome and Malia Bullock both registered a triple, combining for 6 RBI in the game, and Krysten Lawver notched a run and an RBI as well. The Sabercats welcomed Liberty Bailey to the roster, who pitched all 7 innings as the Sabercats took a competitive loss to end the series.

Maranatha Lineup Game 1 - Bullock (2B), Hecker (CF), Thome (SS), Chaney (C), Yancey (P), Thompson (RF), Lawver (1B), Nerat (3B), Sponable (LF)

Maranatha Lineup Game 2 - Bullock (2B), Hecker (CF), Thome (SS), Chaney (C), Yancey (1B), Bailey (P), Lawver (RF), Nerat (3B), Sponable (LF)

THE STATS

• Box Score Game 1
• Box Score Game 2

THE OPPONENTS

• Rockford competes in the Northern Athletic Collegiate Conference (NCAA DIII)
• Rockford opened their season last Friday with a doubleheader split against Elmhurst
• Rockford held a 6-2 record last year before the rest of the season was cancelled due to COVID-19

THE OUTLOOK

The Sabercats return home Monday at 1:00 p.m. against North Central for their first home doubleheader of the season. Follow at mbusabercats.com/composite.