On Saturday, Feb. 28, the Oberlin baseball team swept a doubleheader in Wilmore, KY against Asbury University. Less than 24 hours later, they traveled to Berea, KY, capping the stretch with a commanding 12–5 win over Berea College.

“Over a three-game set in two days, you’re going to face some adversity,” Assistant Coach Ty Schuch said in an email to the Review. “Our guys did a tremendous job of embodying Jocko Willink’s … message of ‘Get up, dust off, reload, recalibrate, re-engage, and go out on the attack.’”

​In game one, third-year pitcher Calvin Burkholder got the start for the Yeomen. After lasting just three innings on opening day, the reigning All-Conference right-hander bounced back with seven strong innings against the Eagles, allowing only three runs on seven hits.

Heading into the top half of the eighth inning, the Yeomen found themselves down 3–2 with two innings left to play. Leading off for Oberlin, third-year first baseman Kyle Baxt roped his first home run of the season to tie the score 3–3.

​“I just wanted to put a good swing on a pitch I could handle and get on base as the tying run and trust the guys behind me to drive me in,” Baxt said. “But I ended up getting one out [of the park] to tie it up.”

In the top half of the ninth inning, first-year center fielder Patrick Leonard put Oberlin ahead 4–3, and second-year third baseman Samuel Labrecque followed with a two-RBI single, extending the lead to three.

While Asbury was able to cut the Yeomen’s lead down to one, third-year right-hander Micah Rodriguez was then able to earn the next three outs for his first save of the season and the Yeomen’s first win of the season, 6–5.

“I was very happy for our guys,” Schuch said. “They worked hard all fall and winter, and I’m happy they were able to grind that win out.”

While gaining the first win of the year is important, maintaining this momentum is equally crucial.

“The momentum you gain by winning that first one just gives the team a massive boost of excitement and confidence that carries over into the next contest,” Burkholder said. “Now you go into that second game, that next day, that next weekend, and the rest of the season with all the more energy, enthusiasm, and belief that you can play and win at a high level.”

This momentum continued with second-year Matthew Ruttkay, who started on the mound in game two. The right-hander threw six innings, only allowing one run.

The Yeomen built an early lead in the game with Leonard’s first career home run and a two-RBI single from Baxt. After a tense ninth inning, first-year Shane McKenna recorded the final out to secure Oberlin’s second victory of the day, 5–4.

“Coming back from hurting my hand and then throwing and getting the win was super rewarding, especially after not being able to throw the first weekend,” Ruttkay said.

After going 0–2–1 in the opening weekend, the Yeomen had to turn their game around, and that is exactly what they did.

“We played together as a team,” Baxt wrote. “The pitching staff was amazing, our defense did a better job making plays, and our offense was able to produce runs.”

Ruttkay echoed this idea.

“I am fully confident in the players behind me to make the plays,” Ruttkay said. “So if I can do my job on the mound, they will back me up in the field.”

After a hard-fought double header, the Yeomen rested up before their third and final game of the weekend.

After Berea started the game with a 1–0 lead, Oberlin tied up the score in the third inning. After briefly falling behind 3–2, the Yeomen responded with a five-run ninth inning to secure the win. 

After a midweek loss to Case Western Reserve University, the Yeomen are  3–3–1.

“There was contribution from the entire lineup in some form [or] fashion,” Schuch said. “Overall, I was very happy with the entire team. Our bench did a fantastic job picking guys up and staying engaged throughout the entire game.”

Reflecting on the team’s weekend, Burkholder looked ahead to the upcoming games and the rest of the season.

​“There’s something about being on a winning streak and sweeping a weekend series that just energizes a team,” Burkholder said. “Coming out of a trip and weekend 3–0 makes the next week of practice and games feel different. … You just feel better, more confident, and ready for that next game.”