Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Site: Wyoming, MI (Kimble Field)
Date: April 18, 2014
Score: Game 1 – Aquinas 6, GRCC 5; Game 2 – Aquinas 10, GRCC 2
Record: GRCC (8-18, 7-5 MCCAA)

Game 1

Wyoming, Mich. – In the first of two games on the day, GRCC and Aquinas squared off in an evenly matched contest in which the Raiders eventually lost 6-5. Missed opportunities was the story for GRCC, in a one run game the Raiders stranded ten base runners while the Saints only left four on base.

After a scoreless first inning, Grand Rapids Community College scored two runs in the top of the second when Garrett Washington (North Branch, MI, North Branch ('13)) singled to left field, bringing home Joe Malewitz (Grand Rapids, MI, GR Catholic Central) and Tim Redder (Rockford, MI, Rockford ('13)). The bottom of the second inning would be unkind to the Raiders when Aquinas heated up, scoring four runs to close out the inning. During the inning the Saints strung together six hits and scored two of their runs on an error by left fielder Joe Malewitz.

Aquinas would stretch the lead to 6-3 in the fifth when first basemen Ben Walton hit a two run shot to dead center. The Raiders would respond in the sixth. Nick Black (Anchor Bay, MI, Anchor Bay (12')) continued his hot hitting streak (3 for 4) hitting a laser to right center that scored Washington, who was on second after a lead off double. A wild pitch by Bryan Mitzner allowed Aaron Fadden to scamper home from third. Jim Eloff's (Novi, MI, Novi (12')) single, moved Dylan Davis to third base, leaving runners on the corners. The comeback was just not to be as Dylan VanPutten (Middleville, MI, Middleville (12')) fouled out to first base as he pinched hit for Jake Weshalek (Royal Oak, MI, Royal Oak Shrine ('13)), stranding two batters and ending the inning.

Matt Hayes (Allen Park, MI, Allen Park (11')) (0-1) went the distance on the mound for the Raiders allowing nine hits, walking three and striking out six as he faced 28 batters. The Saints also received a strong pitching performance from their starter Tyler Strevel who allowed three runs, six hits, walked three and struck out five.

Game 2

With Aquinas leading 2-0 going in to the bottom of the second inning, sloppy play by the Raiders defense (three errors and three hits) allowed the Saints to take a commanding 9-0 lead. GRCC could only muster four hits in the nightcap. While only gave up seven hits to Aquinas but fell by a final score of 10-2.

Offensively, Grand Rapids Community College batter's struck out eight times and had only one extra base hit. Eric Schweitzer (Comstock Park, MI, Comstock Park ('13)) went 1 for 2 with a double and scored both runs for the Raiders. Grant VanLiew went 1 for 3, Anthony Villar (Hartland Twp., MI, Hartland ('13)) 1 for 2 and Joe Malewitz 1 for 2 were the only other offensive production.

Jake Berg (Walker, MI, Kenowa Hills ('13)) (0-1) started for the Raiders but only could muster an inning and a third before being replaced by Dominic Cintorino (Walker, MI, Kenowa Hills ('13)) who slowed down the momentum Aquinas started the game with. Logan Bush picked up the win for the Saints, pitching four innings allowing two hits with two walks and three strikeouts.