2004 Miracle Yearbook

NCCAA National Appearance The Cedarville University baseball team returned from a 2003NCCAA MidwestRegional championship and a trip to their first NCCAA National Tournament appearance. Eight oftheninetop hittersreturnedthis season, adding depth to an experienced roster. Cedarville opened the season Feb.28 with an 11-2 victory over Georgetown withpitcherMatthew Bonin getting the win. After dropping a loss to WarnerSouthern,theJacketswon bigin Clearwater,Florida against astrugglingPhiladelphiaBiblical. Twelve CU players had hits, and they combined for 31 hits in the doubleheader. Lowe said,"The ability God hasgiven meto hitthe balland be at it is definitely my biggest contributiontothebaseballteam." Tough midseasonlossescame from NCAA Div. I Eastern Kentucky and Ohio Dominican, but the Jackets vowed to play dedicatedandcommittedasateam. "This team has been different from previous teams because of its desire for selflessness. We pushed each other to realize that no single person could win a baseball game by himself — baseball is a game where nine individualsworktogethertowin," said Oren. "Wewerecommittedtomaking Cedarville's baseball program better for ourselves and also for the future players," said Oren. "I try to think ahead two or three pitches,"strategizes Matthew Bonin. ForestGreetham appreciates"beinga part ofthe team...I may not have met this amazinggroupofguys hadwenot shared a common passion." 162 Athletics