STERLING, Kan. — Sterling secured an 11-5 victory over Bethany on Tuesday, March 31 bolstered by a pair of home runs and a four-run surge in the seventh inning. Sterling’s strong pitching limited the Swedes to six hits and five runs over nine innings.
The scoring began in the first inning when Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas walked and stole second, eventually scoring on a single by Jackson Harding. Mitchel McDaniel, who entered as a pinch runner for Harding, stole two bases and scored on a balk, giving Sterling an early 2-0 lead after the first inning.
In the third inning, the Warriors extended their lead as Huerta Cardenas hit a solo home run to left field, bringing the score to 3-0 through three innings.
The Swedes closed the gap in the fifth inning with a two-RBI single, making it a 3-2 game. However, Sterling responded in the seventh inning. McDaniel, pinch running for Harding after a walk, stole two bases and scored on a single by Joshua Garcia. Imanol Ramos then launched a three-run homer, widening the lead to 7-2 after seven innings.
Sterling continued to build its lead in the eighth inning. Matthew Garcia singled and scored on a double by Chuck Lang. J. Garcia then delivered a two-RBI single, followed by an RBI single from Ramos, increasing the lead to 11-2. The Swedes managed two runs in their half, making it 11-4 through eight innings.
The Swedes added one more run in the ninth, but Sterling held firm to capture the win.
Jack Trent delivered a strong performance for Sterling, pitching 5 innings with only one earned run on one hit and two walks, while striking out nine batters. Trent’s efficient outing was highlighted by a WHIP of 0.60. Landon Snyder followed, pitching 4 innings in relief, allowing three runs on five hits with two walks and two hit batters, while recording one strikeout.
Emmanuel Huerta Cardenas highlighted his performance by hitting a home run, scoring two runs, and stealing two bases. Imanol Ramos contributed significantly with three hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs. Mitchel McDaniel made an impact as a pinch runner, scoring three runs and stealing five bases. Joshua Garcia added two hits and drove in three runs.
Up next, Sterling (17-18, 11-11) will take on Evangel (17-17, 11-11) in Springfield, Mo. in a three-game series with game one to be played on Friday, April 3 at 2 p.m. and a doubleheader to follow on Saturday, April 4 starting at noon.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
