MARIETTA — Playing its second game of the day, Marietta staved off elimination by defeating Methodist (N.C.) 18-14 in the NCAA Division III World Series at Pioneer Park on Saturday, May 31.
 
The Pioneers (45-13-2) scored in seven of eight innings and capitalized on the long ball as Kirk Atha, Drew Witouski, and Mike Brandts each hit home runs.
 
Sean Risley went 3-for-5 with two RBI, two runs and a stolen base. Roger Thompson and Scott McVicar also had two hits in the win.
 
Marietta led 11-0 after four innings, but Methodist didn't go away easily. The Monarchs scored five runs in the fifth, one in the sixth, five more in the seventh and three in the ninth.
 
Mike Brewington went 3-for-5, while Paul Currie was 3-for-3 with an RBI. Jansen Evans went 2-for-6 with a homer and two RBI, and Mark Council had a homer and two RBI.
 
Mike Kramer (7-2) gave up 10 hits and 11 runs over 6 1/3 innings, but he still picked up the win on the mound for Marietta.