GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Alma College baseball team finally saw positive weather, allowing them to complete their season series with the Knights of Calvin University with the final singular nine inning game on Wednesday, April 23rd at Calvin. The Scots were defeated in their third contest with the Knights by a final score of 9-2.
Calvin took control of the game early, tacking on two runs for the first lead of the game in the second inning, followed by an additional two more runs in the third. A single run drove in the fifth would stretch the Knights lead to five as the Scots struggled to score and get on base as the Calvin Pitching staff limited the Scots to just five hits for the entirety of the game. The Scots had chances offensively throughout the game with runners in scoring positions, though Calvin snuck out of jams and held onto what they already built for a lead. After keeping the game within reach and slowing the Knights runs down, Calvin opened up for four more runs in the seventh, taking a 9-0 lead as time started to dwindle for a Scots comeback.
The ninth inning saw Alma put together some action as Cole Grunwald led the inning off reaching first on an error by Calvin's infield. Stephen McGlade was then walked for runners on first and second. Tony Smith collected the Scots first RBI as he placed a single into right center, scoring Grunwald from second and advancing McGlade to third. Mitch Foley then followed right behind Smith with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring McGlade for the Scots second and final run of the game. The Scots continued to move runners around the bases in the ninth, though no one else would round third and score.
Ryan Koob started on the mound for Alma, pitching for one and two-thirds innings with two strikeouts. Cade Sutherland continued a solid freshman campaign with three innings of work, two hits and four strikeouts. Alex Hardacre came in as well for one and a third innings with one strikeout. Tyler Lasley, Tommy Ches and Evan Litwiller also came in as relief as well with Litwiller picking up the Scots final K of the game, for eight total.
Alma will now have Thursday off before Traveling to Trine University on Friday, April 25th for a single game before hosting the doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch for Friday is slated for 4:00 PM, in Angola, Indiana.
