4 BOMBERS AND 4 WINS FOR THE SWEDES IN TURF’S UP CLASSIC

Branson, MO.- The Bethany College Swedes were on the road in Branson, MO. for the Turf's Up Classic held at Branson RecPlex, Tuesday, February 25^th for Day 2 of their four-game tournament. The lineup started with the Ecclesia College Royals at 10am followed by the rematch with the Cottey College Comets at 12pm.

Game 1: The Swedes started from behind in Game 1 against the Royals who quickly scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1^st inning. But Bethany wouldn't be silent for long as Kalee Aguilar hit a double to left field sending Abigail Nitzel, Marissa Wells and Avery Newmiller home in the top of the 2^nd inning. The score was now 3-2, with the Swedes up by one. The next run belonged to the Swedes in the top of the 3^rd with a single by Ulissa Rivas allowing Shantell Evans to score, 4-2. Followed by an error that resulted in Marissa Wells reaching first base and giving way for Ulissa Rivas to score, 5-2. The Swedes weren't done, Marley Munz hit a single that sent Marissa Wells home and giving Bethany a lead of four, 6-2. The Royals managed to score in the bottom of the 3^rd making the score, 6-3. This would quickly change as Bethany would respond with a run in the 4^th inning, 7-3. Things went quiet in the 5^th inning but not for long as the Swedes were on their way to reach double digits. Top of the 6^th, Bethany's bats got hot and the Swedes scored a total of 5 runs, 12-3. The Royals countered with 3 runs scored, cutting the lead down to six runs as the game was entering the final inning, 12-6. The Swedes landed one final hit with a 3 RBI homerun by Ulissa Rivas, 15-6. Ecclesia tried to make a comeback after scoring two runs back-to-back but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficient. Swedes win by seven, 15-8.

Dylann Baker started in the circle for Bethany and faced 16 batters and threw 38 strikes out of 57 pitches before being relieved by Paris Hammer who faced 26 batters and threw 61 strikes out of 99 pitches.

Game 2: Fresh off a win, Bethany came out hungry against Cottey and scored in the bottom of the 1^st inning. Shantell Evans singled to shortstop allowing Kalee Aguilar to score the first run of the game, 1-0. Followed by a sacrifice flyout by Tamia Butler which sent Abigail Taylor home, 2-0. The Comets weren't able to respond before the Swedes added to their lead in the bottom of the 2^nd inning with Kalee Aguilar hitting a single to left field bringing home Tamia Butler, 3-0. Once again, no answer from Cottey which opened the door for Bethany to push ahead. Bottom of the 4^th inning, Destiny Espinosa hit a single to right field sending Abigail Nitzel home, 4-0. The Comets became frustrated and launched a counter in the top of 5^th inning when they managed to tie up the game at 4-4 after hitting two doubles and a single. The Swedes held on and in the bottom of the 6^th inning, Destiny Espinosa singled to right field allowing for Kalee Aguilar to score, giving Bethany the one run advantage going into the final inning, 5-4. Strong defense led to the Swedes shutting down the possibility of a comeback by the Comets. Final score was 5-4, Swedes win by one and split with the Comets overall. Bethany walked away with a clean sweep for both days and a total of 4 wins from the Turf's Up Classic.

Jordyn Stelzig was on the mound for Bethany to start and faced 24 batters and threw 53 strikes out of 79 pitches. MacKenzie McCaslin would come in to be the relief pitcher and faced 9 batters and threw 27 strikes out of 39 pitches.

Up Next…

Bethany will be on the road in Wichita, Saturday, March 1^st and 2^nd for the Friends University Invitational.  Day 1, the Swedes face Midland University at 11am followed by Doane University at 1:20pm.

#RockarStockar!