CUMBERLAND SWEEPS BETHEL WITH SEVEN-RUN NINTH IN 12-3 MID-SOUTH WIN

Photo / Cumberland Athletics

LEBANON, TN - Cumberland Baseball completed its Mid-South Conference series sweep over Bethel on Sunday afternoon, erupting for a seven-run ninth inning to cruise to a 12-3 victory at the Kahlden Complex.

The Phoenix (21-24 overall) came alive late, scoring nine of their 12 runs from the third inning onward, including the decisive surge in the final frame. The win propelled Cumberland into third place in the conference standings as the regular season enters its final weekend against Freed-Hardeman.

Offensively, Cumberland finished with 12 runs on 11 hits, supported by six walks and four home runs. Aiden McDonald led the attack, going 2-for-5 with three runs scored, two RBIs, and a two-run homer. Dylan LaRue added a 2-for-6 effort with a home run and two runs, while Wilser Then continued a strong weekend with a homer, two runs scored, and three walks. Charlie Rocca delivered a three-run home run in the ninth to help seal the outcome, and Cole Freeman contributed off the bench with a perfect 2-for-2 showing that included a double and an RBI.

On the mound, Mateo Santos earned the win, working 7.0 innings and allowing two runs—one earned—on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks. Jaron Keyser pitched the final two innings, giving up one run on one hit while striking out three to secure the sweep.

Bethel, held to five hits, got production from Zayden McCaslin (two hits). The Wildcats’ three runs included home runs by Adriel Vega and Galvin Sims, with Juan Diego Ramos adding an RBI. Bethel stayed competitive through the middle innings, but couldn’t withstand Cumberland’s late momentum.

After a scoreless first, Cumberland scored in the second on Then’s solo homer. The Phoenix extended the lead to 3-0 in the third and pushed ahead 5-0 in the fourth with McDonald’s two-run shot. Bethel trimmed the deficit with runs in the fifth and eighth, but Cumberland closed strong in the ninth with multiple extra-base hits and a late error to cap the seven-run rally.

Cumberland will close the regular season next weekend at home against Freed-Hardeman, with Senior Day festivities scheduled for Saturday.