PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida — The No. 2 ranked Etta Express swept a doubleheader from Swarthmore College Monday (March 7) afternoon. Marietta won the first game 13-1 in seven innings and took game two, 11-4.
The Pioneers improve to 5-1 overall, while Swarthmore falls to 3-7 on the season.
Marietta sent 11 hitters to the plate in the bottom of the first inning in game one scoring six runs. That would be more than enough support for starting pitcher Trent Valentine (2-0). Valentine went the distance on the mound giving up one run on two hits. He walked one and struck out eight.
Trent Castle delivered a three-run double in the first and then knocked in another run with a double in the fourth. Brett Carson and Logan Vietmeier each hit a solo home run for the Pioneers.
Turner Hill, Damian Yenzi, Alex Richter, Vietmeier and Castle all had two hits in the game.
Hill and Zach Boyd had the hot bats in game two. Hill went 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBI. Boyd was a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, triple and four RBI. Castle delivered a two-run home run finishing 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Yenzi added a pair of singles.
Carson started on the mound and threw 3.0 shutout innings. He walked four, struck out five and gave up one hit. Griffin Malick (1-0) got the win working the middle 3.0 innings. He allowed one run on three hits and struck out three. Kail Hill pitched the final 3.0 innings for the save. He allowed three runs on six hits.
Edward Berry (0-2) started and took the loss for Swarthmore. He was tagged for five runs, all unearned, on seven hits. Five other pitchers toed the rubber for the Garnet.
Marietta is back in action on Tuesday (March 8) against Misericordia University. The single game is scheduled for an 11 a.m. first pitch.