Mar. 14, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College's baseball team made a strong statement in its first home games of the season, sweeping a doubleheader against Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Friday. The Raiders edged out a 3-2 victory in Game 1 before securing a 7-5 win in the nightcap. With the sweep, GRCC has now won three of its last four games, improving to 4-10 on the season, while KVCC drops to 9-5.

Game 1: Raiders Hold Off Cougars for 3-2 Victory

The Raiders jumped out to an early lead in the second inning when freshman first baseman Peter Heintz drove in shortstop Cannon Paul with an RBI double. Three batters later, sophomore Chad Fisher, Jr. added to the lead with an RBI double of his own, making it 3-0 in favor of GRCC.

Despite additional offensive opportunities, including triples from Ty Sandwick and Heintz, GRCC couldn't add to its lead. The Cougars chipped away, scoring runs in the third and fifth innings, but the Raiders' pitching held firm.

Sophomore Andrew Pohlmann (1-1) earned the win, pitching five strong innings while allowing six hits and striking out five. Sophomore Ohlen Bond closed the door with two scoreless innings, earning his first save of the season while allowing just one hit and striking out two.

Game 2: Six-Run Inning Powers GRCC to 7-5 Win

KVCC struck first in Game 2, scoring a run in the opening inning, but GRCC responded in a big way in the bottom of the second. A six-run outburst put the Raiders firmly in control, highlighted by a two-run double from freshman outfielder Jack Lockwood.

In the fourth, freshman catcher Carter Gulick led off with a double and later came around to score when sophomore Joey Hysell hit an RBI double, extending the lead to 7-2.

The Cougars mounted a late comeback, scoring three runs to cut the deficit to 7-5, but GRCC's bullpen shut the door. Sophomore Thano Klett (2-0) picked up the win after five solid innings, allowing just two earned runs while striking out six. Freshman Sam Schmuker locked down his third save of the season with a hitless seventh inning, striking out the final batter to seal the win.

Up Next

The Raiders will look to continue their momentum when they travel to Mott Community College on Saturday for another doubleheader, with Game 1 set to begin at 1 p.m.

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.