ADRIAN, Mich. – Looking to open Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play up on a strong note, the Alma College baseball team traveled to Adrian, Michigan for a single gam to open the series against the #22 Bulldogs. The Scots did exactly that as everything was clicking to breeze past the 22nd ranked team in the country to the tune of 11-1 in seven innings.
Two walks by Giuseppe Sapienza and Alexander Kavalick put runners on the bases for the Scots in the first as Cameron Bleasdale looked to put Alma up early. A big down the left field line was enough to score both runners as Bleasdale would reach third for his second triple of the season, putting Alma up 2-0.
Alma added some additional run support in the third with both Sapienza and Kavalick drawing walks again. Again, Bleasdale scored both runners, this time with a double to left center, putting the Scots up by four through three.
The rest of the Scots lineup got involved in the fourth as Kaden Warren singled to reach base. Goodpaster and Spaienza both drew walks to load the bases as Kavalick stepped up to bat. Again, Kavalick also saw a five pitch walk to score Warren for the Scots fifth run. Cole Grunwald helped out following with a single to left field, scoring Goodpaster and Sapienza, putting Alma up seven. A single from Bleasdale then scored Kavalick for a four run fourth inning and an 8-0 lead.
The Scots scored a solo run in the fifth on a wild pitch as Warren bolted home to score following a walk that put him on base earlier in the inning. Warren was also walked in the seventh and would score the tenth run of the game on an error. Goodpaster reached first on the error and would score later on off a Grunwald single to put Alma up 11-0 as Adrian looked the keep the game alive with their final three outs. The Bulldogs were able to plate one run but a rocket from Grunwald in left field was able to throw a base runner out at second, giving Alma their firs twin of conference play over nationally ranked competition.
Tyler Sparks pitched a complete game with two strikeouts and one walk with 83 total pitches.
Alma will now welcome the Bulldogs to Klenk Park for a Saturday doubleheader to close out the MIAA opening series. Games are set for 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM tomorrow.
