MARIETTA — Marietta College kicked off its Ohio Athletic Conference play in impressive fashion, sweeping a doubleheader against Wittenberg on Saturday, April 5, at Pioneer Park. The Pioneers dominated the opener 18-4 before securing a 9-6 victory in the nightcap, improving their overall record to 21-5-2.
 
In the first game, Marietta ace Jim Katschke turned in a stellar performance, improving his record to 5-2 with a complete-game victory. Katschke struck out seven while allowing just one hit, completely shutting down the Wittenberg offense.
 
Mike Brandts led the offensive onslaught for Marietta, going 3-for-4 with a home run and six RBI. Sean Risley contributed with a hit and three RBI, while Joe Cavallo added a single and two RBI. Scott McVicar and Roger Thompson chipped in with two hits each as part of Marietta's explosive 18-run, 19-hit performance.
 
For Wittenberg, John Kelly provided a bright spot in the loss, going 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
 
The Pioneers completed the sweep with a 9-6 victory in the second game. John Sudges led the way for Marietta, going a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI and a triple. Eric Shoup and McVicar each went 2-for-3, with McVicar driving in a run.
 
Mike Kramer continued his strong work out of the bullpen, earning another victory in relief. Kramer improved to 3-1 on the season after allowing four hits and three runs in four innings of work.
 
Rusty Curry stood out for Wittenberg in the losing effort, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.