BEREA — The Etta Express closed out their regular season on a disappointing note, dropping both games of an Ohio Athletic Conference doubleheader against Baldwin Wallace on Saturday, May 10. The Yellow Jackets prevailed 9-4 in the opener and 7-5 in the nightcap, sending Marietta into the OAC Tournament on a three-game losing streak.
In the first game, Baldwin Wallace's Dean O'Brock went the distance, scattering nine hits and walking three for the complete-game victory. The Yellow Jackets' offense was led by Joe Velky, Dave Rozzo, and Bob Rodriquez, who each collected two hits. Rich Barberic contributed a single and two RBI to the winning cause.
For Marietta (36-10-2, 12-4), Mike Brandts provided a bright spot, going 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI, while John Sudges added a single and an RBI. Jim Katschke struggled on the mound, surrendering 11 hits and nine runs in the losing effort.
The second game saw Baldwin Wallace capitalize on 12 hits and three Marietta errors to secure the sweep. Dave Rojeck, Erik Young, and Dave Rozzo paced the Yellow Jackets with three hits apiece. Rozzo drove in three runs, while Young added two RBI. Scot Oehlstrom earned the win with a stellar relief appearance, allowing no runs on just three hits over 6 2/3 innings.
Marietta's Drew Witouski tried to keep the Pioneers in the game, going 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Yellow Jackets' attack.
