ANGOLA, Ind. – The Alma College baseball team returned to the state of Indiana, this time for a conference game against the Thunder of Trine University at Jannen Field on Friday, April 25th. Alma took the lead first in a game where the lead was flipped three times, as the Thunder shook a win away from the Scots by a final score of 9-7.
As stated, Alma took the first lead of the game in the second inning on a solo home run from Ryan Kracht, that was hit hard and far over the railroad tracks behind the left field fence for a 1-0 Scots lead. Trine answered back right away with three runs in the bottom of the second, scoring three unearned runs for their first lead of the game. Alma was able to soften the blow the in top of the third as Mith Foley was struck by a pitch which then led to him stealing second during the next at bat. Cameron Bleasdale followed up reaching first on an error with a bunt back to towards the pitcher, advancing Foley to third. Giuseppe Sapienza grounded out towards third, allowing for Foley to score and advancing Bleasdale to third after he stole second during the at bat. After the run scored, Kyler Warren reached first on a base knock, followed by him stealing second, putting Scots runners on second and third. Kracht added another hit with a single to center field, scoring both runners and helping Alma regain the lead, 4-3.
After Kracht's third RBI of the game in the third inning, scoring slowed down for the Thunder as they were held scoreless in the third. Alma used big hits in the fourth to increase their lead, leading off with Stephen McGlade, who doubled to left field. McGlade advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt, though it would not matter as Bleasdale stepped up to the plate several batters behind him. Bleasdale took a pitch to deep left center and used his speed for a stand-up triple, scoring McGlade as well. Sapienza helped score his teammate following the big play, singling towards third and setting up Bleasdale to race home and score. Alma left the fourth inning leading 6-4.
The Thunder were able to chip away at the Scots lead in the fifth, scoring two runs on a double and a single, bringing them within one heading into the sixth. An influx of runs poured in from the Thunder in the seventh as an error and wild pitches proved to be costly for the Scots. Trine added four unanswered runs in the bottom of the sixth following the defensive miscues along with some offensive production, bringing the score to 9-6.
Alma's only response came in the ninth inning as Foley singled towards center field and advanced to second on a balk. Bleasdale also singled, with his towards left, scoring Foley for the Scots seventh on final comeback run.
Tyler Sparks was given the nod for the start on Friday, throwing for three innings. Josh West saw action for two innings, collecting one strikeout. Cade Sutherland rounded out the final three innings, collecting four strikeouts and only allowing one hit while on the bump.
Alma will now host Trine on Saturday, April 26th, for a doubleheader at Klenk Park. Game times are set for 1:00 and 4:00 PM.
