PEARL, Miss. — Maryville (10-10, 1-5) faced a challenging doubleheader against Belhaven (17-3, 3-0) at Trustmark Park, dropping both games with final scores of 7-3 and 5-3. In the first game, the Scots rallied for two runs in the eighth inning but couldn't overcome Belhaven's early three-run lead established in the first. Maryville's record now stands at 10-9 overall and 1-4 in conference play.
In the opener, Belhaven grabbed the early momentum with a three-run surge in the first inning. A timely RBI single, followed by a sacrifice fly and a run-scoring wild pitch, set the tone. This early advantage proved pivotal as the Scots struggled to bridge the gap, despite several attempts.
Maryville showed determination, particularly in the eighth inning.
Det Dettwiller (Infielder/Sophomore) sparked the rally with a single and later scored on
Frank Derner's triple down the left-field line. Derner then crossed home plate on
Logan Krause's groundout, narrowing the deficit to 5-3. However, Belhaven countered in the bottom half with catcher's interference and a critical two-RBI single to further their lead.
Missed opportunities were a theme for Maryville, especially in the second inning when Dettwiller scored an unearned run on a passed ball. Several key chances slipped through as the Scots left nine runners stranded throughout the game.
Kaden Wimsatt pitched with grit, completing 6 innings while allowing 9 hits and 5 earned runs, striking out 8. He threw 105 pitches, 71 for strikes, maintaining a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio of 8:1.
Pete Pappas relieved Wimsatt for 2 innings, surrendering 3 hits and 2 runs, with 1 earned, and striking out 2. Pappas issued one walk on 39 pitches, 25 of which were strikes.
Det Dettwiller was a standout, scoring twice and recording two hits, boasting a notable OPS of 1.000.
Frank Derner contributed significantly with a triple, an RBI, and two hits, adding crucial runs to the scoreboard.
In the second game, Maryville took an early lead with two runs in the second inning, highlighted by a double from
Colin Dunworth. However, Belhaven responded with a pivotal two-run fifth inning to seize control. Despite outhitting Belhaven 10 to 7, the Scots left 14 runners on base, a misstep that proved costly.
Belhaven pulled away in the fifth inning, capitalizing on a crucial defensive error by the Scots. An error allowed runners to advance, leading to a bases-loaded walk and a hit-by-pitch that brought in two unearned runs, shifting the momentum sharply in Belhaven's favor.
Maryville initially gained an edge in the second inning.
Det Dettwiller, an outfielder, doubled and later stole home as
Logan Krause swiped second.
Luke Winter's RBI double then scored Krause, giving the Scots an early advantage. However, missed opportunities and stranded runners throughout the game hindered further scoring.
In the ninth, the Scots attempted a comeback. Dettwiller singled and later scored on a defensive error, but with the bases loaded, a strikeout ended the rally, sealing Belhaven's victory.
Titus Torbett, starting pitcher, delivered 5 innings for the Scots, allowing 4 hits and 4 runs while striking out 4 batters. He faced 27 batters, with 3 walks and 4 hit-by-pitches, posting a WHIP of 1.40.
Gavin Mohrman relieved, pitching 3 innings, conceding 3 hits and 1 earned run, while striking out 2 batters and achieving a WHIP of 1.33. Together, they pitched a combined 145 pitches, with Torbett throwing 99 and Mohrman throwing 46.
Brayden Evans recorded two hits, including a double, contributing to his impressive 1.000 OPS. Dettwiller scored twice, added two hits, one of which was a double, and stole a base. Krause finished with two hits and a stolen base, adding a run scored to his performance.
The Scots will look to bounce back as they head to Jackson, Mississippi, to face Belhaven again at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, and are also set to host Berry at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at Scotland Yard in Maryville, Tennessee.
