SPRING ARBOR, Mich. - Goshen started conference play with a win and a loss against Spring Arbor on Friday. The Cougars won game one 9-4, but the Maple Leafs took game two 6-2. The win in game two ended a four-game losing streak against SAU, and was the fewest runs the Leafs had allowed against the Cougars since a 3-0 shutout win on March 21, 2017.
Game One
Only two of Spring Arbor's runs from game one were earned - the other seven were unearned. The Maple Leafs scored first in the top of the second on an RBI single from
Chase Smith up the middle, scoring
Trent Sillett. The Cougars had an RBI single of their own in the bottom of the second to tie it 1-1.
The Leafs quickly got two outs in the bottom of the third before an SAU single. Then a throwing error put runners at second and third. Next, a three-run home run made it 4-1. The Cougars had a pair of RBI singles and had a run score while stealing home while another player stole second. They had six runs on five hits in the inning while the Leafs had two errors.
Justin Dambruck homered in the top of the fourth, a two-run shot which was Goshen's first of the season. Goshen's final run came when
Nick Padron scored on a throwing error after a fielder's choice from
Fernando Marte Santana. The Cougars added runs in the fourth and the eighth.
Logan Wilson allowed seven runs in three innings pitched but only one was an earned run. He struck out four and walked one.
Brandon Wright Barron,
Aaron Matthews,
Dakota Perry and
Josh Murphy combined to allow just one earned run and three hits over the next five innings.
Goshen had six hits from six different batters.
Justin Dambruck had two RBIs and
Trent Sillett scored twice and walked twice.
Game Two
The Goshen offense read Spring Arbor starter Ryan Ruhlman early and often in game two. The Leafs scored three first inning runs from RBI doubles by
Justin Dambruck and
Axell Espino Montero. They added three more in the second when
Fernando Marte Santana hit an RBI single to right center,
Chase Smith walked in a run with the bases loaded and
Justin Dambruck reached on a fielder's choice that scored
Trent Sillett.
Goshen starter
Eric Pettipiece wouldn't even need the extra run support from the second inning. He threw a complete seven innings, allowing two earned runs and getting the win. He had six strikeouts and one walk and now has a 1-1 record on the season. The only other time Pettipiece threw seven or more innings was a road win at Brescia on February 25, 2023. Spring Arbor's two runs came via a wild pitch and a solo home run. The home run came with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.
Fernando Marte Santana had three singles for Goshen. He had an RBI and scored a run.
Justin Dambruck went 2-4 with a double and two RBIs.
Axell Espino Montero had two RBIs and
Chase Smith walked twice.
Due to field conditions, Goshen (2-6, 1-1 CL) will now be traveling to play at Spring Arbor on Monday, March 3 with game one still starting at 1:00 pm. Goshen's scheduled home games against Concordia on Tuesday will also take place at Spring Arbor. Game one will start at 4:00 pm on that day.
