ALMA, Mich. – Finding a break in the rainy weather that's hoovered over Michigan this week, the Alma College baseball team returned to action at Klenk Park, hosting the Comets of The University of Olivet for a Friday single. The Scots ran into a hot hand on the mound and opened the three-game series with a loss to the Comets by a final score of 6-2.
The beginning of the game saw a pitcher's duel as both defenses made key stops and each pitcher was able to retire batters and keep the score knotted at zeroes. Olivet was able to draw the first blood in the fifth inning on an error on a fly ball to left field that was bobbled and draw after wet conditions made the outfield a bit slippery. Five more runs came across home plate in the eighth inning for the comets as loaded bases and three consecutive Scots errors proved costly as Olivet kept putting runners on base to drive in the runs. All six Comet runs for the day were unearned coming from errors made in the field by the Scots.
Alma scored their first run in the eighth after Brant Goodpaster was hit by a pitch and then moved to second after a Cameron Bleasdale single. Braylon Ryan picked up the RBI with a single through the right side, scoring Goodpaster for the Scots first run. Alma added another run in the ninth looking to make a comeback as Grady Pieratt singled through the left side and later stole second. An Alexander Kavalick single scored Pieratt two batters later, but Alma would be unable to plate anymore runs, falling to the Comets to open the series.
Cole Grunwald was the starting pitcher for the Scots, pitching five innings and striking out four. Brady Sager saw two innings of action, collecting three whiffs. Evan Litwiller added a third of an inning with one strikeout, followed by Kenny Fistler with two-thirds of an inning. Hayden Ruff rounded out the pitching with one inning and two Ks.
Alma will now return to action against the Comets tomorrow, Saturday, April 4th, for a doubleheader at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids due to field conditions with weather. First pitch of game one is slated for 2:00 PM.
