The baseball team took the first two games of their three-game series against Arlington Baptist. Game one finished with the Wildcats on top, 12-2, and game two ended with the Wildcats edging the Patriots 4-2.
“Pitching has been the key so far,” said head coach Britt Bonneau. “We have had great starts without guys going five-plus innings each. If we can get that on Sunday, we will have a chance to sweep.”
Game one exhibited an offensive showcase from the Wildcats as they scored 12 runs on 14 hits. Senior catcher Seth Spivey led the way with a 3-5 performance, including a triple, a home run and five runs batted in, coming up just a double short of the cycle.
“Offensively, we have done a few things well,” Bonneau said. “We have to continue to be patient at the plate and swing at our pitches. When we do this we have scored. ”
Senior pitcher Nate Cole was dealing on opening day. He went five innings and gave up four hits, an earned run, three walks and 10 strikeouts.
Game two showed the ‘Cats jumping out to a fast start, leading 4-0 after three innings. Senior infielder Kyle Giusti’s lone hit of the afternoon was huge, with a two RBI single in the fist inning. Sophomore pitcher, Garrett Demeyere, went six innings in the win, giving up four hits, no earned runs and five strikeouts. Sophomore Hunter Wakefield and junior Kevin Sheets both pitched well in relief, giving up a combined four hits, two earned runs and two strikeouts in four innings.
The Wildcats will be back in action in hopes of earning the season opening series sweep at 1 p.m. Sunday afternoon. After that, the team will compete in the Al Scott Memorial Baseball Classic next weekend, starting Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. against University of Central.
The game can be heard locally Abilene on 102.7 FM.