KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Alma College baseball team opened play in the MIAA Tournament on Wednesday, May 8th, at Kalamazoo College. The Scots were defeated in the first round by the hosts in a low-scoring game, 4-1. 

Both offenses were limited in the first inning as neither team recorded a hit through one. In the second, the Scots threatened to score with runners on second and third, though the Hornets pitching and defense would hold the Scots runners in place and keep the score sheet clean. The Hornets were able to draw the first blood after a hit by pitch, a walk and a single loaded the bases. A walk would score the first run of the game and a single to center field would drive in two more for the Hornets 3-0 lead through two innings. 

The Scots would find a response in the fourth as Colin Czajkowski led the inning off being hit by a pitch. Kyler Warren singled to left field and Cole Grunwald then laid down a sacrifice bunt to put both runners on second and third. Tony Smith then hit a sacrifice fly to left field, allowing for Czajkowski to tag up and cross home plate, giving the Scots their first and only run. The offenses would be held in check for the next several innings as both teams threatened to score but Kalamazoo would drive in the last run in the eighth to take a 4-1 lead. 

Czajkowski was given the nod to start the game for the Scots, going two innings while striking out two and picking up the loss. Ken Fistler, Davin Reif, Chase Balhoff and Hayden Hileman each saw action on the bump in the opening round of tournament play, combining for four strikeouts. 

Alma will now play in the elimination game tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, May 9th) against Hope College in a game that will send the loser out of the tournament and conclude their season. First pitch for the elimination game is set for 1:00 PM.