Swedes Earn D-1 Respect
On Road To KCAC Crown
by Jeff Kelly, Staff Writer
Bethany Messenger: Friday, April 24, 1998- Page 7
Bethany Baseball '98
     The Bethany College Baseball team continued its excellent play losing only 1-3 to Division-One Kansas State University.
    Pitching for the Swedes was freshman Clint Strassburg.  Coach Waldie, who made the decision to go with the newcomer, could not have been more pleased.  "Clint did not give up a run in four innings.  He is freshman pitcher who was going against division one caliber hitters.  I also made the decision before the game to just let Clint pitch a certain amount of pitches.  I knew we had a double header coming up against Friends, and we needed conference wins much more."
    Freshman pitcher Daniel Regan was equally impressive for the Swedes.  Regan pitched four innings also, only giving up three runs; all on two out hits by the Wildcats.
    Although, the Swedes played excellent defense, the hitting was below average except for senior Sean Spoonts.  Spoonts hit the farthest shot, "I have ever seen while at Bethany," gasped Waldie.  "It was a bullet that kept on rising and rising."
    At that point the Swedes were only down two runs with runners on first and second.  David Bard stapped in to pinch hit for an injured Spoonts and roped the ball to third base.  "David did everything we asked him to do.  He hit a shot to the third baseman who dove, made a great play, and turned a double play.  I can't ask for anything more from Dave.  He is a senior leader who did his job, but some things just don't go our way."  The Swedes earned a great amount of respect from the Wildcats and themselves in only losing 3-1.
    The next matchup was double header against up and coming Friends University.  The Falcons traveled to Lindsborg on a beautiful, sunny 352 kind of day. (If you know what I mean.)  "Right now, we are playing all-around good baseball at the right time.  We were fortunate to sweep Friends 7-1 and 10-3."
    The Swedes continued to rally behind KCAC player of the Week Clay Witt.  Witt has had one earned run in 14 innings pitched.  His E.R.A. is below one at .78.  "We always have a chance of beating any team when Clay is pitching.  He is throwing the ball excellent, and feel he will only get better!"  Coach Waldie continued.
    In the second game, Jeremy Cantrell pitched his third excellent game in a row.  "We played excellent defense, hit the ball all day long, and played our two conference games of the year.  I just hope now that the team continues to concentrate on winning each inning of each game.
    If we have the mind set of not looking too far down the road, I believe this team can accomplish anything it wants.  I know we can be successful.  Also, I would like to thank everyone who came out to support us, and only hope to see everyone out again."
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