NEW CONCORD, Ohio – A winner take all game for the weekend series stared down both the Alma College baseball team and the Muskingum University Fighting Muskies on Sunday, March 15th. The Scots were able to lean on an explosive offense to account for double-digit runs again, taking the series with a game three win and a final score of 13-7.
Getting the offensive gears turning early again, the Scots put up three runs in the first inning starting with an Alexander Kavalick single. Cameron Bleasdale followed suit with a single, putting runners on the corners. Cade Sutherland collected the first RBI of the game with a single to center field, followed by another single to center by Kyler Warren, scoring Bleasdale for the Scots second run. A Cole Grunwald fly out in foul territory would be enough to score Sutherland from third, giving the Scots a 3-0 lead through the top of the first inning.
The next run of the game did not come until the third when Alma was able to extend their lead. With the bases loaded, Charlie Martyn reached first on a fielder's choice while in the process, Warren would score four the fourth run of the game. The Fighting Muskies offense came to life in the bottom of the inning, popping off for four runs to tie the game at the conclusion of the third.
Alma was able to take the lead once again in the sixth on a Brant Goodpaster single with Easton Tolson on second and Justin Diaz on first, that slipped on by through the middle and scored Tolson for the Scots fifth run.
Just an inning later, the Scots offense exploded for eight runs to pull build a nine-run lead over the hosts, looking to secure the series. Jack McIntosh opened the hitting with a double down the right field line. Martyn then scored McIntosh after reaching first on an error by the second baseman. Diaz would draw a walk and then both Martyn. And Diaz would steal the base in front of them, putting both into scoring position. A Goodpaster single to left field would score Martyn, followed by a Kavalick single to score Diaz, leaving runners on the corners. A walk from Bleasdale would load the bases with Sutherland stepping into the batter's box. Sutherland laced a single to left center, scoring both Goodpaster and Kavalick, bringing the score to 10-4. With runners on first and second, Warren placed a double into right center, scoring both base runners once again and leaving Warren alone on second. Grunwald was able to send his teammate home with a single to center field, giving the Scots their 13th run of the game.
Muskingum slowly added runs here and there throughout the remainder of the game with a solo run in the bottom of the seventh and two runs in the eighth but would be held in check as the Scots coasted into a six-run victory and a series win.
Tyler Sparks took the bump to start the game for Alma, pitching for three innings and striking out two. Kaden Warren picked up his first career collegiate victory after pitching for three innings as well and striking out one. Evan Litwiller, Ryan Koob and Kenny Fistler all saw an inning each in the victory as well.
Alma will now have the week to prepare for a big weekend series against Ohio Northern University, who is receiving vote in the D3baseball.com national poll. First pitch for the series in Ada, Ohio is scheduled for 12:00 PM for a Saturday doubleheader, followed by a Sunday single.
