MOBILE, Ala. -- Miles split an important doubleheader with SIAC Western Division foe Spring Hill Friday, dropping the first game 13-5 before winning a wild 7-6 nightcap.
Jacob Bisharat was the hitting star, going 5-for-7 with a home run and four runs batted in over the two games.
Zavian Caldwell, making his first appearance in several weeks, saved the day on the mound in Game 2, picking up the win with six innings of relief.
The Golden Bears (12-12, 4-2 SIAC) were out of the first game before they could really get in it. Starter Jacob Shuster was tagged for 12 runs in just two-plus innings of work after
Brandon Conner had given him a 2-0 lead with a single in the top of the first. He walked three guys and gave up nine hits, but was not helped by his defense, which committed six of the team's seven errors while he was in the game.
Matthew McDonald pitched four innings of 2-hit relief and
Ryne Benson drove in two runs in the third, but it was too late for Miles as Spring Hill remained undefeated in conference play.
In the second game, Miles - again - jumped out to a first inning lead. Bisharat,
Cody Hamilton and
Will Cantey each drove in runs as the Golden Bears opened a 4-0 lead. But starter
Tanner Stinnett could not find the plate in the bottom of the inning. He walked six batters and threw two wild pitches in giving back the entire lead, recording just one out before he was pulled in favor of Caldwell.
The Badgers (10-11, 5-1) would take a 5-4 lead in the third but Miles would tie it in the sixth on a RBI single by Cantey that scored Benson. In the seventh, Bisharat hit a 2-out, 2-run home run to put the Golden Bears in front. But things would get interesting in the bottom of the frame. Caldwell, who allowed six hits and struck out four, put the tying runs on base with one out. Cantey came in out of the bullpen and hit the first batter to load the bases. He allowed one of the inherited runs to score but got a strikeout to end the game and earn his third save of the season.
Both team will be back in action on Saturday for another doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for noon.
