BASEBALL FALLS AFTER SEVEN-RUN EIGHTH INNING

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Another scheduling quirk saw Avila baseball play a road game just 30 minutes from campus on Sunday, as they fell to Bethany, 9-4 at the Homefield KCK Showcase Center.

The Eagles got off to a great start – as they have for most of this season – scoring three in the top of the first. A two-run double from Zach Virden followed three batters later by an RBI single from Thomas English gave Avila a 3-0 lead before the Swedes came to the plate.

Strong pitching from both teams in innings two through six saw just three combined runs score.

Bethany got on the scoreboard with a two-run homer in the second inning and Avila added another in the top of the fifth with an English sac fly to score Jack Virden.

Holding a 4-2 lead entering the eighth, the Eagles needed just six more outs to pick up their first conference win of the season.

Bethany plated seven in the bottom of the eighth.

An error, three singles and a fielder's choice saw the Swedes put up a seven-spot in the bottom of the eighth to give Avila a 9-4 loss.

On the mound, Avila got very strong starting pitching from Logan Empson who threw six innings of three-hit ball, allowing just two earned.

The two conference rivals will be back at it for a doubleheader tomorrow. First pitch of game one is slated for 12 PM.