ALMA, Mich. – The Alma College baseball team hosted their lone game of the series against the Knights of Calvin University on Wednesday, April 9th, at Klenk Park. The Scots battled throughout the full nine innings, but we defeated with two runners left in scoring position in the ninth, by a final score of 7-6.
Calvin opened up the top of the first inning with some offense, scoring the first run of the game on a solo home run. Alma was then put to the test early and was able to answer right back in the bottom of the same inning. Cameron Bleasdale led the Scots off reaching first on a bobbled ball that resulted in an error. Bleasdale then stole second during Giuseppe Sapienza's at bat before Sapienza flew out to right field, allowing for Bleasdale to reach third. Brant Goodpaster followed behind with a single up the middle, scoring Bleasdale and tying the game at ones a side.
Calvin came back in the top of the second, firing two more runs across home plate to regain the lead, taking a two-run lead. Alma was held off the board from the second to fourth inning, before taking a swing at the Knights lead.
Alma led the bottom of the fifth inning off with a walk from Tony Smith. Freshman Braden Andrejack collected a hit with a single up the middle, moving Smith to second. Mitch Foley then wore a pitch to the arm, loading the bases for the Scots. Bleasdale then showed patience at the plate, drawing a walk and scoring Smith for the first run of the inning. With the bases still loaded, Sapienza placed a single through the left side, scoring Andrejack and Foley to give Alma their first lead of the game, up 4-3.
The Knights replied back with a quick run just two batters in during the top of the sixth, tying the game at fours apiece. The Knights continued with their offense in the sixth, tallying another solo run to take a 5-4 lead before an additional single would drive in two more runs, putting Calvin back on top, 7-4.
The Scots offense struck again in the seventh, as Mitch Foley wore another pitch to the arm, sending him to first. Foley then stole second during the Bleasdale at bat, before stealing third after Bleasdale struck out. Brant Goodpaster sent Foley home with a fly out to right field, as Foley tagged up and scored, bringing the Scots within two.
With three outs left to keep life in the game, Alma headed into the ninth inning needing two. Foley led the inning off with a single, followed by Bleasdale also hitting a single, as his was up the middle. Both runners advanced forward 90 feet with a wild pitch to put themselves into scoring position. Goodpaster would make use of his at bat as he drew a walk, loading the bases with one out. Alexander Kavalick hit a hard ball towards second base, where the second baseman had trouble gathering the ball and could not get it to first in time, while in the process Foley scored at home. Bleasdale followed behind his teammate Foley, but Calvin noticed him round third and beat him out with a throw at home, giving Alma their second out. Following a pinch run, Alma battled hard at the plate but Calvin would sneak out of the jam and sneak out of Alma with a one run win for game two of the series.
Chase Balhoff started on the mound for Alma before being relieved by freshman Tommy Ches, who recorded one strikeout. Ryan Koob then saw action for one and a third inning. Josh West also saw action before Cade Sutherland rounded out the Scots pitching staff for the game. Sutherland pitched three innings in relief, notching a career-high seven strikeouts during his time.
Alma will now have Thursday off to prepare for Albion College, who will be coming to town on Friday, April 11th, for a single game at Klenk Park. First pitch for the afternoon game is set for 4:00 PM.
