Apr. 12, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College continued its impressive spring with dominant performances on both the softball and baseball diamonds Saturday, squaring off with conference rival Muskegon Community College. The softball team rolled to a doubleheader sweep via mercy rule, while the baseball squad split their twin bill — highlighted by a shutout and a heartbreaking final-inning collapse.

Softball: Raiders Dominate Again with Run-Rule Sweep

Game 1: GRCC 13, MCC 2 (5 innings)

The Raiders wasted no time jumping on the Jayhawks in Game 1, putting up three runs in each of the first two innings for a quick 6-0 lead. Muskegon responded with its only two runs in the third, but GRCC quickly shut the door with a six-run outburst in the bottom half of the inning on seven hits. They added one more in the fourth to cap a 13-2 win.

Kalani Stowe improved to 12-0 on the year, allowing just three hits in the win.

Offensively, Natalee Beck led the charge, going a perfect 4-for-4 with 5 RBIs. Stowe, Violet McWhinnie, and Grace Salley each added two hits as the Raiders outhit Muskegon 14-3.

Game 2: GRCC 9, MCC 1 (6 innings)

Game 2 followed a similar script. GRCC opened with five straight hits in the first inning to plate five quick runs. Beck stayed hot with an RBI in the fourth, giving her six on the day. Macey Springer's RBI single in the sixth sealed the 9-1 win via run rule — the team's 16th such win this season.

Lilly Klop took a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a lone RBI double, but still finished with a one-hitter to improve to 4-0. Beck led the way again at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double and finishing the day 7-for-8 overall. Maddie Miller and Ashlyn Reagan each collected two hits.

With the sweep, GRCC stays atop the conference at 28-3 overall and 14-1 in league play, finishing off a dominant 5-game sweep over Muskegon.

Baseball: Raiders Pitch Gem, Split Saturday Games

Game 1: GRCC 5, MCC 0

It was all about pitching in Game 1, as Kyle O'Hearn delivered a masterclass on the mound. The freshman right-hander allowed just one hit, walked one, and struck out seven over a complete game shutout to improve to 3-2.

The Raiders took advantage of early MCC miscues, scoring two unearned runs in the first and two more in the second after another error. Haiden Noakes added an RBI groundout in the sixth to round out the scoring. GRCC only managed three hits — one each from Jack Lockwood, Ty Sandwick, and Chad Fisher Jr. — but they didn't need much with O'Hearn dealing.

Game 2: MCC 8, GRCC 6

Game 2 looked like another win for the Raiders, who carried a 6-2 lead into the final inning. Xavier Allen's sac fly and a two-run single from Fisher Jr. highlighted a steady offensive effort, and JT TenEyck added an RBI single in the fifth.

Starter Kyler Larson pitched well, going six innings with two earned runs and four strikeouts. But things unraveled in the seventh. Muskegon rallied for six runs in the frame, overtaking the Raiders 8-6. GRCC threatened with runners on second and third in the bottom half but couldn't complete the comeback.

Despite the tough loss, GRCC baseball stayed atop the conference standings at 18-15 overall and 12-3 in league play. They took four of five in the series against Muskegon.

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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.