WESTERVILLE — Marietta and Otterbein showed why each is considered two of the best teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference — and maybe in the nation.
In the opener, Marietta once again relied on ace Terry Mulholland. The lefty allowed five hits and no runs as the Etta Express won 4-0. Mulholland (8-0) also struck out six Cardinals while walking just one.
Otterbein starter Kirk McDonald was solid on the mound, allowing six hits and three earned runs.
Marietta's Dave Thomas and Jon Shuler each doubled for the Pioneers (22-6, 4-1), while Marty Sberna and Thomas had the only RBI.
In the second game, Otterbein flexed its hitting prowess as the Cardinals scored 12 runs over the first three innings and won 12-2.
Gary Alexander allowed five hits, struck out three for the complete-game win. He also pitched around 10 walks. Marietta used four pitchers with starter Ron Fama taking the loss.
Dave Weaver went 3-for-4 with an RBI, while John Mastel had two hits and three RBI for Otterbein.
Jon Finke led Marietta with two hits and a run.