MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---  The Trinity International University baseball team kicked off the fall portion of their season on Saturday afternoon as they took on the Pilots of Bethel University (IN) in a doubleheader at Jenkins Stadium.

Mitch Apple got the start for TIU in the opening game, throwing three innings, giving up six runs on 12 hits. The Trojans got on the board in the top of the fourth inning when left fielder Julius Torres scored from third after designated hitter Jalen Smith bounced into a double play. Right fielder Brendan Lacey added a second Trojan run after reaching base on a bunt, and being driven in on a single by second baseman Lance Loucheim. The Pilots would respond with six runs in the bottom of the fourth en route to a 12-2 win over TIU.

In their second game, the Trojans were able to create more offensive opportunities. After giving up a first inning run to the Pilots, catcher Andrew Johnson reached base after being hit by a pitch by Bethel's Justin Rasmussen. Lacey would replace Johnson on base as a pinch runner and would score after a Matt Laitner walk and a Torres single to left field. 

Going to the bullpen, the Pilots scored two runs off of Kurtis Sippy in the bottom of the fourth. The Trojans were able to then tie the game after Henriquez and right fielder Emanuel Anduiar scored on a two-run single by designated hitter Mike Luker. The tied score didn't last long as Bethel scored three more runs in the bottom of the fourth to retake the lead. Bethel would add an additional run in the sixth as the Pilots won the second game by a score of 7-3 to swept the two-game series.

TIU will return to the diamond on Saturday, September 21 as Bethel will visit the Deerfield campus for another doubleheader series as part of the homecoming festivities. First pitch for the opening game is set for 1:00 PM.