LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan baseball dropped the series opener to Wartburg 9-3 on Friday night at Sandhills Global Youth Complex, despite another historic milestone from senior Carter Betts. The Prairie Wolves (19-16, 8-11 A-R-C) were outdueled by the Knights (18-15, 12-10 A-R-C) in their final home weekend of the regular season.
How it Happened
Wartburg struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing to plate a run. The Prairie Wolves answered in the bottom half when Brady Bell ripped an RBI to the shortstop, scoring Aaron Chazin.
The Knights broke the game open in the second. After two walks and a single to load the bases, an error on a ground ball to the shortstop scored two, putting Wartburg ahead 3-1. NWU responded again in the bottom of the third Carter Betts got things started with an RBI triple. The triple was Betts' NCAA Division III-leading 10th of the season, extending his program single-season record. Easton Johnson drove in Betts with an RBI single, tying the game at 3-3.
Wartburg's offense proved relentless, scoring three runs in the sixth off NWU reliever Dominic Sis. A two RBI single and a bases-loaded walk stretched the lead to 7-3. The Knights added insurance in the ninth scoring on a wild pitch from Bryson Knapp.
NWU's best late chance came in the sixth, loading the bases with two outs, but a groundout to the pitcher ended the threat. The Prairie Wolves managed just three hits after the third inning.
Top Performers
Notables
- Betts' 10 triples are the most by any NCAA DIII player this season.
- NWU will honor its 16 seniors pregame before the first game of tomorrows doubleheader.
- The Prairie Wolves stranded nine runners.
Up Next
NWU closes its home slate Saturday with a doubleheader against Wartburg at 12 p.m. Senior Day festivities begin at 11:20 a.m.
