FRANKLIN, Ind. – Heading north for their final game of spring break before resuming classes, the Alma College baseball team closed out their trip with a game against the Franklin College Grizzlies on Sunday, March 8th. The Scots wiped their Friday games from their memory and jumped back into the win column, defeating the Grizzlies 7-3.
Alma opened the game, scoring in the first four innings, starting with a solo run in the first. Brant Goodpaster reached first with a single before advancing to second on a balk. Cameron Bleasdale reached first on an error which then allowed for Goodpaster to score from second, putting Alma on top first. Franklin fires back a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, tying the game through one.
In the second, Kyler Warren drew a walk followed by a double by Cole Grunwald to put runners on second and third. Charlie Chmielewski grounded out to first, while Warren scored from third to put Alma back up one.
The third again saw a solo run, this time off one swing of the bat by Alexander Kavalick with a deep ball over the left center wall, allowing for Kavalick to take a stroll around the bases.
Scoring for their fourth consecutive inning, Grunwald opened the hitting for the inning with a single to right center then stealing second during the next at bat. Kaden Warren scored Grunwald with a single to right field, putting Alma up 4-1 near the halfway point. The home team added their second run of the game in the bottom of the fourth, cutting the Scots lead in half.
Alma's next run of the game came in the eighth inning as Cade Sutherland picked up his fourth home run of the season, sending a ball over the left field wall and out of the park. Following the big hit, Ky. Warren and Grunwald both drew walks. Chmielewski then put a ball into right field for a sacrifice fly out, scoring Warren from third and giving Chmielewski his second RBI of the day.
Alma picked up their third home run of the day in the top of the ninth as Brant Goodpaster sent a ball out of the park over the left center wall, putting Alma up by five. Franklin needing runs to keep the game alive, was unable to score in the bottom of the ninth and the comeback bid would stay quiet as the Scots would hold on and close out their trip with a win.
Tyler Sparks was given the nod for the start on the bump, lasting six innings while striking out six and picking up his second win of the season. Evan Litwiller, Ryan Koob and Kenny Fistler all saw an inning in relief, combining for three strikeouts.
Alma will now have several days off before returning to the diamond in New Concord, Ohio, as they prepare for a weekend series with the Muskingum University Fighting Muskies. First pitch for the three-game series is set for 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM for the Saturday doubleheader.
