BASEBALL

The HU baseball team wrapped up the regular season with a slugfest against Spring Arbor University (25-24, 15-12) that eventually favored the Cougars 10-8 at Hank Burbridge Field.

SAU outhit their visitors 13-12 with only three of the game’s 25 hits going for extra bases. There were also an abundance of stolen bases (11) throughout the nine-inning contest highlighted by Donovan Clark’s as it marked his 28th of the season which sets a new program record for steals in a season. The previous record of 27 was held by Adam Christner back in 2011.

Today’s matchup didn’t affect the Foresters’ final regular season league standings but it was pivotal for the Cougars as the win secured the fourth spot for them.

Ryan Bethel took the loss for Huntington. He spent three innings on the bump and gave up six hits, six runs, three earned, and three walks while striking out two before being relieved by Alex McCutcheon who finished out the game. Unfortunately, two botched plays and a handful of wild pitches haunted HU as half of the runs they gave up were unearned.

It was an afternoon of ups and downs for both teams as HU jumped out to a 4-0 advantage before the Cougars starting chipping away and finally claiming their first lead, 8-5, after four. The hosts would go on to extend the gap to four runs at 9-5 after five. Huntington would go on to play catch up the rest of the way before settling for the two-run final difference.

Frame’s crew scored in six of the nine frames with three Foresters posting multiple hits and knocking in two runs. Jamar Weaver finished with three hits which included his team’s only double and two RBI to lead the way. Nick Davit and Tyler Zimske added two base pokes apiece to go along with just as many RBI.

The Foresters (18-22, 16-10) have a break until the Crossroads League Tournament. HU will enter the tourney as the 3rd seed and will face 6th-seeded Goshen on Friday at 10AM at Taylor University.