York, Neb. – The Bethany College Swedes Baseball team traveled to York, Nebraska to take on the York University Panthers in a midweek matchup.
The Swedes came out strong early, plating a run in the first inning before adding three more in the second to jump out to a 4-0 lead. Eduardo Tarafa highlighted the early offensive surge with a two-RBI performance, while Conner Balmer and Yan Ortiz each drove in a run to give Bethany momentum.
However, the Panthers responded in a big way in the bottom of the third inning, erupting for five runs to take the lead. York would continue to build on that momentum, adding another run in the fourth and pulling away late with two runs in the seventh and four more in the eighth to secure a 12-4 victory.
William Sanchez led the Swedes at the plate with two hits, while Tarafa added a pair of hits and two RBIs. Adrian Rodriguez and Fernando Bones each crossed the plate once as Bethany totaled six hits in the contest.
On the mound, Wesly Martinez got the start for the Swedes, striking out seven over four innings of work. Giovanny Orozco added three innings in relief with three strikeouts, while Diego Lopez closed out the game with two strikeouts in his outing.
Despite the early lead, the Swedes were unable to contain York’s offense, which tallied 11 hits and used a big third inning to shift the game’s momentum.
Up Next…
The Swedes will hit the road again for a three-game series against the Saint Mary Spires on March 20 and 21.
