WESTERVILLE — Marietta College faced a setback in its Ohio Athletic Conference campaign, dropping both games of a doubleheader to Otterbein in Westerville, Ohio, on Saturday, April 12.
 
The Cardinals edged out a 3-2 victory in a pitchers' duel in the opener before dominating the nightcap 11-2. The losses drop Marietta's record to 23-7-2 overall and 2-2 in the OAC.
 
The opener was a tightly contested affair, with Otterbein's Dan Harris outdueling Marietta ace Jim Katschke. Harris went the distance, allowing 10 hits and four walks but limiting the Pioneers to just two runs. Marietta struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving nine runners stranded on base.
 
Katschke turned in a strong performance for Marietta, striking out six and allowing only six hits. However, his efforts were undone by a dramatic three-run, walk-off home run by Tim Harris in the bottom of the seventh inning.
 
Marietta had taken a 2-0 lead in the top of the seventh when Eric Shoup doubled home Scott Lewis and Frank Schossler. Shoup finished 2-for-4, while Mike Brandts led the Pioneers' offense going 3-for-4 in the heartbreaking loss.
 
The Cardinals carried their momentum into the second game, securing a convincing 11-2 victory. Otterbein's Jerome Davies went the distance, scattering seven hits and walking four in a complete-game win.
 
Otterbein's offense came alive in the nightcap, with Dale Edwards, Mark Seel, and Jim Allen each hitting home runs as part of a 13-hit attack. The Cardinals' power display proved too much for Marietta to overcome.
 
For the Pioneers, Mike Brandts continued his strong day at the plate, going 2-for-4. John Sudges also contributed, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI in the losing effort.