Written by: Zachary Worstell (zdw001@marietta.edu)
The Etta Express find themselves 2-10 early in the season. They went on a five-game losing streak over spring break when they traveled for a series of games in Lexington, South Carolina. Most recently, Marietta was swept when they competed in the Berry Invitational vs Belhaven University and SUNY Cortland.
It appears that it’s safe to say that the resignation of Brian Brewer as head coach has definitely affected the team. Marietta College’s offense is still productive as through twelve games they sit at a 0.264 average and a 0.810 OPS. Which is better compared to the previous seasons 0.255 average and 0.686 OPS.
The main area of concern this season is the pitching. Thus far the team’s average ERA is 7.82 compared to last season’s 4.57. However, the team also gives up a large portion of unearned runs through their fielding errors. Last season the Pioneers had 55 total errors in 38 games played. They had an average fielding percentage of 0.963. This year the Pios already have allowed 22 errors and have a 0.951 FLD%.
Marietta College have not had an easy schedule and have kept a majority of their losses close. Such as their two losses to Berry College before their trip to South Carolina. Versus Berry they lost 9-7 and 8-6.
Their first game in Lexington came against the #16 ranked Case Western Reserve University. Austin Ziance pitched a complete game in the losing effort as a sac fly in the 8th got CWRU a 2-1 win. The second game versus CWRU was cancelled due to time constraints.
The Express had the same result in both of their games versus Swarthmore College who sits at 11-3 this season. In both games, Marietta held the lead until late when the Garnet took control. In the first game, Swarthmore took over in the 6th with a three-run home run and added some insurance later to win 12-6. In the second game this result was more drastic as the Garnet scored six runs in the ninth to win 12-6.
Marietta’s game versus Mitchell College was a game of two innings. Mitchell scored four runs in the first off of two errors and three hits. They added four more runs in the second off a wild pitch and a home run. Marietta had four home runs within the first few innings but that only allotted for six runs. Hence, the Express lost again this time 8-6.
Marietta broke their losing streak over Johnson & Wales University. JWU held the lead early on leading 7-2 in the 5th. Marietta mounted a late comeback scoring two in the 6th and three in the 7th. Now tied 7-7 the teams’ traded runs with the Pioneers scoring off a triple and the Wildcats homered in the 8th. Sophomore Zack Molloy reached home on a throwing error in the 9th and gave the Pios the win 9-8.
The Express kept things close versus #4 Belhaven. Marietta led 4-1 early on off of two balks. However, a home run in the sixth and two walks with bases loaded in the 7th made it a tied game. Another error gave Belhaven the lead, which they added to with two hits making it 7-4. Marietta’s offense picked up in the bottom of the 8th getting three hits for two runs, but were unable to tie the game in the 9th and lost 7-6.
Most recently Marietta got mercy ruled by SUNY Cortland for the second time this season. Fortunately, their third game versus them was cancelled due to time constraints. The Pios allowed 19 hits and gave up 18 runs as they lost to the Red Dragons 18-5.
The Express have one more game before their first OAC game of the season. On March 19th Marietta hosts Washington & Jefferson at 5:00 p.m. This is the team’s only home game of the month as their next game at Pioneer Park is on April 3rd versus Heidelberg.
Looking to see the Express turn their season around? Check out their schedule at 2026 Baseball Schedule – Marietta College Athletics and purchase tickets at Online Ticketing – Marietta College Athletics.
