MARIETTA — Bill Holmes and Sean Risley each had three hits to lead Marietta to a 12-6 victory over Methodist (N.C.) in the first game of the NCAA Division III World Series at Pioneer Park on Friday, May 30.
Holmes had a double and three RBI, while Risley had a triple and one RBI. Jeff Marbaugh made his presence known with a single, double and five RBI in front of the partisan crowd. Roger Thompson chipped in with a solo home run as the Pioneers (44-12-2) amassed 12 hits off two Methodist pitchers.
Marietta jumped out to an early 10-1 lead as the Etta Express scored four runs in the first and three each in the third and fourth innings.
Jim Katschke (13-4) struck out four and scattered eight hits over eight innings for the win.
Methodist's David Horne had a productive day going 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run. Danny Hartline also went 2-for-4 with a double and one RBI.