MCKENZIE (March 18) – Despite strong wind gusts, seven home runs and 41 runs scored, the Bethel College Wildcats pulled off an improbable 23-18 win over the visiting Indiana Tech Warriors.

Giving up 11 runs in the third inning, Bethel trailed 11-3.

Wildcat starter Jon Patterson lasted just 2.1 inning allowing nine runs, eight earned on seven hits. Levi Scronce allowed two more before the damage was done.

Bethel fought back to score five runs in the bottom of the third to narrow the Warrior’s lead to 11-8. Scronce, however, couldn’t hold on as Indiana Tech scored six more in the top of the fourth for a 17-8 lead. Scronce went 1.1 innings seeing Tech score eight runs, seven earned.

The bright spot for the Wildcats, freshman Blake Talbott, went 4.1 innings allowing only two hits and one run. Talbott’s work allowed the Wildcats to outscore the Warriors 14-1 in the final five innings to take the win. Rhett Hughes pitched the final frame allowing just one hit.

The ‘Cats hit three homers in the contest as Will Cripps hit his first of the year. Cripps was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Zach Tippitt also hit his first of the season and was perfect at the plate going 2 for 2 with a walk, two RBI and three runs scored. Jonathan Keck blasted his 10th homer of the season and was 2 for 5 with a walk, one RBI and three runs scored. Jake Ramsey was 2 for 2 with five RBI and two runs scored. Jim Evans was 1 for 4 with three RBI and two walks.

Bethel is 17-7 (3-4) on the year.

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