by Carter Moles

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner (41-3, 16-2 SSAC) used balanced batting and stellar pitching in its 6-4, 6-1, and 10-0 victories against Southern States Athletic Conference foe Bethel (Tenn.) (17-20, 8-10 SSAC) here at Harrison Field this weekend.

Friday afternoon saw the Eagles use a five-run second inning highlighted by a three-run homer from Rusber Estrada to propel the team to a 6-4 victory.

The Wildcats pursued with a four-run fifth, but Brandon Suttles stopped the rally with solid work from the mound.

Suttles (6-0) earned the win while striking out four of the seven batters he faced and allowing no baserunners in 2 1/3 innings of work.

The Friday nightcap was highlighted offensively by a four-run seventh inning that pushed the game out of Bethel's reach.

Tekwann Whyte collected two RBIs in the game.

The defensive effort for Faulkner was dominated by Tyler Tungate (5-0). The senior fanned 11 Wildcats while allowing only three hits.

Myron Mebane went 3-for-5 on the day with an RBI.

The bats were awake Saturday morning as the Eagles recorded 10 runs on 11 hits in the series finale.

Reese Cooley continued his incredible batting tear going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and two stolen bases.

Alex Carrillo (4-0) struck out seven batters in six innings while allowing two hits.

Faulkner will host in-state opponent Talladega in a non-conference doubleheader Tuesday. Opening pitch is slated for 4 pm at Harrison Field.