Cougar Baseball Closes Bethel Series with a Split

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team (7-3, 3-1 CL) wrapped up its four-game series against Bethel University (2-7, 1-3 CL) in Winter Haven, Florida on Saturday, February 28.

MVNU's offense was on full display in the first game of the day as it erupted for 18 runs off 15 hits. The Cougars led 9-4 heading into the top of the eighth, but the Pilots scratched off four runs in the frame, cutting the MVNU lead to just one. MVNU responded in a huge way in the bottom half of the inning, teeing off on Bethel's pitching. The Cougars scored nine runs in the inning to force the run rule. Brady Lester came home from third after a wild pitch, securing the 18-8 win in eight innings over the Pilots. Offensively, Alejandro Delgado went two-for-four at the plate, ending the game with four RBI. Kevin Inman batted in three runs, while Jack Schreck, Tyler Ooten, and Lester each had two. Carter LaPata scored three runs to go with his RBI. Armando Gonzalez got credited with the win on the mound after pitching five innings and allowing four hits and four runs. The sophomore had six strikeouts.

In game two, offense was harder to come by for the Cougars as they were only able to manage two hits in the 1-4 loss. Bethel scored all four of its runs in the top of the third inning. MVNU was able to get on the scoreboard in the bottom of the third, thanks to a Lester RBI single that brought home LaPata. Kaid Carpenter started for the Cougars on the mound. Carpenter had five strikeouts and all four of the runs that scored were unearned. Austin Fox pitched four shutout innings. He allowed no hits, no runs, and had three strikeouts.

What's Next

MVNU will be back in action in Melbourne, Florida against Valley City State on Monday, February 28. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to nearly 2,200 students from 36 states, 1 U.S. commonwealth and 41 foreign countries.