Wesleyan (Ga.) vs. Berea – March 8, 2025 at Wolves Field
In a thrilling doubleheader at Wolves Field, the Wesleyan College Wolves showcased resilience and determination, splitting the two games against Berea. After a hard-fought loss in the first game, the Wolves bounced back in the second to secure their first win of the season, winning 8-0.
Game 1: A Close Battle Ends in 8-6 Loss for the Wolves
The first game of the day was a high-scoring affair that saw the Wolves put up a valiant fight but ultimately fall short, losing 8-6.
Offensive Highlights:
Wesleyan came out of the gates strong, scoring 2 runs in the first inning. M. Tatum and A. Humphries were key contributors early on, with Tatum going 2-for-4 with an RBI and Humphries leading the charge with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. K. McCord also drove in 2 runs, keeping the Wolves competitive. A. Fobian-He added a triple and an RBI to his name, proving his worth both defensively and offensively.
S. Campbell contributed with a hit and walk, and despite an early error in the field, the Wolves kept their focus and fought throughout the game.
Pitching Efforts:
On the mound, H. Blankensh took the loss for the Wolves, going 5.1 innings while giving up 6 earned runs on 12 hits. A. Searcy came in relief, tossing 1.2 innings, allowing 2 earned runs, and striking out 1.
Berea's offense, however, proved too potent to contain, with standout performances from M. Dickson, M. Thomas, and M. Meads. Dickson, in particular, was impressive, going 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Thomas drove in 3 runs, leading Berea to an 8-6 victory.
Game 2: Wesleyan Bounces Back to Secure First Win of the Season
In the second game, the Wolves found their rhythm and claimed an 8-0 victory—securing their first win of the season at home. It was a game marked by offensive firepower and dominant pitching, giving the Wesleyan crowd something to celebrate.
Offensive Explosion:
Wesleyan wasted no time in taking control, putting up 6 runs in the first inning. A. Humphries led the charge, going 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs, including a key 2-run single. S. Mcelveen followed up with a strong performance of his own, driving in 3 RBIs with a 1-for-3 showing and a double. T. Laviano also added an RBI to his tally, continuing his solid performance from the first game.
M. Tatum was active on the bases, stealing 2 bases and reaching safely in his only at-bat. S. Sawyers, pinch-hitting later in the game, added a stolen base of his own, showcasing the team's speed. Even with some changes in the lineup, the Wolves maintained their offensive pressure, finishing the game with 8 runs on 9 hits.
Pitching Dominance:
K. McCord was stellar on the mound, earning the complete-game shutout. He went 5 innings, allowing just 6 hits, striking out 3, and walking 2. McCord's dominant pitching performance was a key factor in the Wolves' ability to shut down Berea's offense and secure the win.
Defensive Highlights:
The Wolves' defense was solid throughout, committing no errors and limiting Berea to only 6 hits. S. Wright played a crucial role in the infield, while the outfielders, including A. Fobian-He and M. Tatum, provided excellent support. The team showed great chemistry and focus, backing up McCord's pitching performance with sharp defense.
Berea Struggles:
Berea struggled offensively in the second game, with J. Searcy's 3-for-3 showing being one of the only bright spots. Despite strong individual performances, such as E. Searcy's hit and walk, the Berea offense could not break through against McCord's outstanding pitching.
Berea's pitchers—K. Tudor and M. Thomas—allowed 8 runs on 9 hits, with Tudor taking the loss after surrendering 6 runs in just 1.1 innings.
Looking Ahead:
The Wolves' first win of the season was a much-needed confidence booster, especially coming at home. The combination of offensive firepower and McCord's dominant pitching performance is a promising sign for Wesleyan as they move forward in the season.
The team's resilience in bouncing back from a tough loss in the first game shows their strength and character. Wesleyan will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next set of games.
Final Scores:
- Game 1: Wesleyan (Ga.) – 6, Berea – 8
- Game 2: Wesleyan (Ga.) – 8, Berea – 0
It was a sweet victory for the Wolves, and they'll look to carry this momentum as they continue to chase success in the season ahead.