Some interesting things have happened since I last wrote, and I do apologize that it has been so long. Spring Break tends to put updates behind somewhat, so I'll be brief as to what happened over the trip, because I was not at most of the games, but only have the scorebook to go by.
We are now 10-11 on the season, having played all of our non conference games except for the April 15 game in Manhattan against Kansas State. Also, we can't seem to catch any breaks, as Tuesday's KCAC opener against Friends was yet another of many games canceled because of weather (rain in this instance). Saturday's doubleheader against Tabor appears to be allowing us the opportunity to do what we've been waiting for all season, the chance to show our stuff to our conference foes.
There is some unfinished business, however. You need to be updated on the last two exciting weeks here in Swede-Land. March 21, Bethany started out Spring Break in Lawton, Oklahoma against Cameron University with a 2-1 victory. Clay Witt was masterful, holding the opposition to one unearned run and five hits in a complete game performance, running his record to 2-1. The winning run came in the top of the seventh, as pinch hitter Nate Sungy singled. After a strikeout, Sean Spoonts doubled him in. Witt then shut the door on Cameron in the bottom of the inning, preserving the victory.
From there, it was on to Austin, Texas to face St. Edward's University. Three Swede pitchers were knocked around in this 18-8 slugfest. The first victim of the onslaught, Clint Strassburg, took the loss. A bright spot was Pat Patterson's 2-5 performance, including a home run.
The next opponent was St. Mary's University of San Antonio. The first game was all St. Mary's, as they peppered starter Jeremy Cantrell for seven runs in the bottom of the third, leading to an 11-1 Swede defeat. The second game started out just as badly, as Bethany was down 8-0 after the first inning. They never quit, and by the fifth had pulled it to 8-6. That's as close as it would get, as BC dropped another one, 11-9. Offensive highlights included Darren Kaustinen, Pat Patterson, and Chris Tusant each having a 2-3 day, as well as Bobby Richardson's 3 RBI double in the seventh. Starting pitcher Kris Bernal took his fourth loss of the season.
The weary pitching staff had no relief as they made the trip home, making a short stop to play Oklahoma City University. The game was actually tied 3-3 when Clay Witt, entering his seventh inning of work, began to fatigue. OCU got to him for four runs, and in the eighth scored four more off of reliever Ed Loeb. The Swedes would come back and score one in the ninth, but it wasn't enough, sending them to defeat, 11-4. Sean Spoonts and Brad Schrader each went 2-3 in the game.
Coming back to Lindsborg seemed to agree well with the whole Bethany team. Mid-America Nazarene was the unfortunate victim of the Swedes letting out frustration. BC had a six run third inning, that included six hits (one a double by Brad Schrader to open the inning), four MANC errors, and a steal of home by Jason Schmeiser (scoring when he took off after Pat Patterson stole second). They added one more in the fourth, one in the fifth, and four in the sixth to 10-run rule Mid-America Nazarene, 12-2. Clint Strassburg was outstanding, pitching six strong innings and giving up only two runs (1 earned) on four hits for his third win of the season. In the second game, Daniel Regan completely baffled MANC hitters in a complete game 1 unearned run performance, giving up only two hits. As good as Regan was, the game was still close at 2-1 until the sixth, when the Swedes used their speed to manufacture four runs on four hits by swiping four of their eleven stolen bases on the day. Sean Spoonts went 3-3 on the day, with a double and two runs scored.
That Saturday, Mid-America Bible from Oklahoma, came to Anderson field for more fun in the sun. The weather was finally picture perfect for baseball, and the Swedes showed their appreciation by winning both games. Jeremy Cantrell continued the streak of well pitched games by allowing one earned run in his complete game victory. His only problems came in the seventh inning, as the Evangels, down 2-0, rallied for three runs to put them ahead. It didn't take long for BC to respond to the challenge, though. In the bottom of the inning, right fielder Nate Sungy led off with a single to left field. Designated Hitter Sean Spoonts then blasted the first pitch he saw over the right field fence, for a dramatic 4-3 win. But that was only the start of the fun, as the Mid-America coach believed that Spoonts had entered the game without reporting the umpire, constituting an illegal substitution. In fact, he came in the game as a pinch runner in the fourth for Ryan Blankenship, but MABC's bench never recorded the change. The furious coach shouted words at the umpires as they left the field between games, and then returned to his bench. Game two didn't exactly have the excitement that the first one did, but the Swede players didn't seem to care. Before one could blink, BC had a 3-0 first inning lead. It stayed that way until the fifth, when starter Kris Bernal gave up five runs, aided by some bad defense. Ed Loeb stopped the bleeding, getting the last two outs of the inning and a scoreless sixth. That fifth inning, the Swedes showed their no-quit attitude yet again. After two quick outs, Jason Schmeiser singled to right and then stole second. Sean Spoonts then singled him in and stole second as well. Spoonts then advanced to third on a wild pitch. Nate Sungy walked, putting runners at first and third. David Bard took advantage by singling Spoonts home to tie the game. In the sixth, Chris Tusant and Darren Kaustinen started things off with back to back singles. Bobby Richardson then sacrificed them to second and third. They scored on a single up the middle by Mike Jackson. Clay Witt earned his first save of the year by striking out the side in a 1-2-3 seventh inning, preserving the 7-5 win.
Last night, the hot Swedes went to Eck Stadium in Wichita to face the Shockers of Wichita State. Always a perennial powerhouse, WSU ended the Swede hopes of an upset early, scoring three in the first off of starter Jeremy Cantrell. Clint Strassburg, Daniel Regan, and Kris Bernal all pitched very well in their appearances, showing great promise for upcoming KCAC season. Clay Witt was roughed up in the seventh, giving up nine runs (eight earned) in one-third of an inning. Don't worry, though, he'll be just fine in his next start on Saturday. The bats also were hot, although only coming up with four hits. Every ball the Swedes hit was hard, only to be right at someone or robbed by a great defensive play. We just couldn't catch a break all night, but through it all, our group of fans that came kept cheering, something that they will be doing a lot over the next five weeks.
Saturday at 1:00, the Swedes face Tabor College in Lindsborg to kick off the KCAC season. Last year, BC dominated the Bluejays, winning 3-0, 11-2, 6-0, and 7-1. Make no mistake about it, folks, Tabor is going to come in here fighting and wanting to avenge last year. Two wins are by no means a guarantee, but starting pitcher Clay Witt (2-2) and Clint Strassburg (3-1) should be more than ready for the challenge. Next Wednesday's starting pitchers at Kansas Wesleyan figure to be Jeremy Cantrell (2-3) and Kris Bernal (0-4). Last year, the Swedes split the season series with their rivals, winning 13-3 and 7-0, but losing 7-4 and 8-7. KW appears to be down this year, losing most of their big players to graduation, but a young, hungry team is sure to be ready to play. Hopefully, with good baseball and a little luck, we will be 4-0 by the next time I write. I just can't wait to start the fun!
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