ALMA, Mich. – Looking to keep the momentum going after run-ruling the #22 Adrian College Bulldogs the day prior, the Alma College baseball team welcomed the Bulldogs to Klenk Park for a Saturday doubleheader to determine the opening series of conference play. The Scots came out on top in game one with a 9-6 win to clinch the series before falling in game two by a score of 7-3.
The opening game of the day stayed scoreless through the first two innings before the Scots put up a four spot to take the initial lead. Charlie Martyn led the inning off with a single up the middle followed by a Justin Diaz double down the left field line. Brant Goodpaster was then walked to load the bases. Giuseppe Sapienza drove in a solo run with a n RBI single through the left side. Alexander Kavalick grounded out to second shortly after but scored Diaz from third in the motion. Cameron Bleasdale then tailed behind also grounding out, though again the Scots sent Goodpaster across home plate. Scoring the final run of the inning was Sapienza, who was sent home on a Brady Vannest single through the left side for 4-0 lead.
Adrian answered with a single run in the fourth to cut the deficit to three. The Scots responded in the fifth with a solo run of their own as Kyler Warren reached first on an error and scored Bleasdale who reached earlier on a single and advanced to second on a passed ball.
The Bulldogs grit showed in the sixth as the visitors were able to take their first lead of the game, and the series, with five runs on several base knocks. The Bulldogs looked to hold onto the lead and force a deciding game three, but the Scots still had time to change the narrative.
In the bottom of the seventh, Sapienza drew a walk and Bleasdale reached first on an error, followed by Warren also being walked to load the bases. Vannest singled and would advance to second during the play as Sapienza and Bleasdale both scored to regain a 7-6 lead in favor of the home team. Braylon Ryan then pinch hit and proved to be timely with a double to left center, scoring Vannest and Warren to put Alma up 9-6, the eventual final score.
Cole Grunwald started on the mound to open the day for the Scots, pitching three and a third innings and striking out five. Brady Sager saw two innings of relief with two strikeouts, followed by Evan Litwiller who picked up his first win if the season, pitching two innings as well and striking out three. Kaden Warren pitched two-thirds on an inning before Kenny Fistler brought the Scots home with his fourth save of the year and adding another strikeout in one inning of work.
After a short intermission, both teams hit the field for game three as the Scots looked to sweep the nationally ranked Bulldogs and Adrian looked to steal a game in the series.
Adrian struck first scoring two runs in the second inning before four scoreless innings of ball would be played from the third through the sixth. Adrian added another solo run in the seventh to increase their lead to 3-0 before Alma put themselves on the board.
Ryan would lead the inning off with a single down the right field line, followed by Kyler Warren drawing a walk. His brother Kaden Warren then doubled to left center, scoring both Ryan and Warren with a two RBI double to bring Alma within one.
Adrian added some insurance runs in the eighth as the Bulldogs were able to plate four additional runs to take a five-run lead into the bottom of the inning, putting Alma in a tight situation with six outs remaining. Alma was able to drive in one run on a Ryan sacrifice fly that scored Preston Schroyer, who pinch ran for Kavalick, but no additional runs would come across. Adrian would hold on and take care of the Scots in the ninth to steal game three and take a win back home to open conference play.
Josh Soneral pitched seven innings for the Scots in game two, striking out four in the process. Josh West, Roman Forcia and Tyler Lasley all saw action in relief as Forcia picked up a strikeout.
Alma will now prepare for a single against Hope College, set to take place on Tuesday, March 31st, at Klenk Park. First Pitch is set for 4:00 PM.
