The Alma College baseball team lost two games at home against Hope College on Saturday by close scores of 5-4 in game one and 6-5 in game two. The losses dropped the Scots to 8-16 in the MIAA and 11-24 overall, while Hope improved to 15-9 in the league and 19-17 in 2012.

The first game was scoreless until the top of the fourth when Hope scored four runs, only to be answered by three from the Scots in the bottom of the frame. Alma tied the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the sixth, but the Flying Dutchmen pushed across a run in the top of the seventh and held on for the 5-4 win.

The offensive leaders for the Scots in game included Sr. C Matt Stephens (Maple Rapids, Mich./Fulton), who was two for three with two RBI's and Jr. 1B Cam Schmidt (Port Austin, Mich./North Huron), who finished one for three and an RBI. Fr. RF Blake Leddy (Saginaw, Mich./Swan Valley) had on RBI for Alma and Sr. P Donny Lee (Mt. Pleasant, Mich./GRCC) went the distance and gave up just one earned run in the loss.  

Matt Cresswell throws out a Hope batter on Saturday afternoon

In the nightcap, Hope scored three in the top of the second and one in the top of the third for a quick 4-0 advantage. The Scots fought back with all five of their runs in the bottom of the fourth to take a 5-4 lead that proved to be short-lived. Hope scored two in the top of the fifth and the Flying Dutchmen earned the 6-5 victory.

Stephens had a hit and an RBI and and Leddy added two RBI's, while Jr. 2B Matt Cresswell (St. Louis, Mich./St. Louis) and Fr. LF Adam Ballien (St. Charles, Mich./St. Charles) each had an RBI in the loss. So. P Kevin Thompson (Petoskey, Mich.) pitched 4.1 innings and took the loss.

The Scots will next play at Northwood University on Tuesday.

Game 1 Box Score

Game 2 Box Score