Box Score 1 | Box Score 2
Game 1 Box Score | Game 2 Box Score

Grand Rapids, MI-- The Raiders dropped the opening game of a double header against Owens CC on St Patty's Day, but came back strong in the second half to even the series out. Owens won the first match by a score of 3-1 and GRCC got the W in the second with a score of 4-3.

The Raiders struggled to get on base during the first game. Pitcher Chris Ward hurled for 6 innings for the Express, and allowed only a handful of hits and no runs. Ward threw 4 strikeouts before Alex Juday stepped in to make the save.

Christian Lienesch scored the Raiders sole run of the game on a Steve Hazel double in the eighth. Brendan Bender pitched 7 innings for GRCC, allowing 9 hits and 3 runs. Bender threw 6 k's.

The Raiders appeared to be a more organized and determined squad in the second game.

After allowing a pair of OCC runs in the first inning, the Raiders earned a run in both of the first two innings. Jared Theissen scored in the first on an EJ Grochowalski sac fly and Kyle Orlowski scored in the second to tie the game at 2 apiece.

Both clubs put on a fielding clinic for the next 4 innings, each allowing the other only 2 runs and 4 hits. Tyler Duke led his team with 8 put outs, followed by first baseman EJ Grochowalski with another 5. David Balgaard scored the game winning run in the bottom of the seventh.

McKinley Portice pitched 5 innings for the Raiders to earn the win. He threw 6 strikeouts and allowed 3 runs. Austin Stephens stepped in to close out the contest and threw 2 strikeouts in 2 innings.

GRCC is now 4-14 on the season. The team will play next when they take on Aquinas College tomorrow evening. Stay tuned to GRCCRaiders.com for further coverage.