May 1, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Grand Rapids Community College baseball and softball teams closed in on the end of their conference seasons in style Friday, sweeping the first two games of their four-game series against Bay College. With both programs having already secured their conference championships a week ago, the focus shifted to momentum—and milestones.
For baseball, the day carried added significance as head coach Mike Eddington recorded his 200th career victory in Game 1, continuing a tenure that has now produced four straight conference championships for the Raiders.
The Raiders (24-12, 20-3 MCCAA) extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 10-0, six-inning run-rule victory followed by a 9-2 win in Game 2.
In the opener, GRCC broke through in the third inning when Cannon Paul delivered an RBI double, followed two batters later by an RBI single from Michael Hurlbutt. The Raiders added four runs in the fourth—highlighted by a two-run double from Peter Heintz—and never looked back. Additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings sealed the mercy-rule victory. Paul and Carter Gulick led the offense with two hits apiece as GRCC totaled nine hits. On the mound, Kyle O'Hearn (5-1) was dominant, tossing a complete-game shutout over six innings, allowing just four hits while striking out eight.
Game 2 showcased GRCC's discipline and opportunistic offense, as the Raiders capitalized on six Bay College errors, 10 walks, and four hit-by-pitches. Heintz paced the lineup, going 3-for-4. Kyler Larson (4-1) earned the win with five solid innings, while Dylan Johnston closed the door over the final two innings, allowing just one hit.
Baseball will wrap up its conference schedule Saturday at 1 p.m. against Bay College at Kenowa Hills High School.
The softball team (36-8, 21-2 MCCAA) matched the dominance, sweeping its doubleheader 17-0 (five innings) and 5-2 to extend its winning streak to six games in a unique Sophomore Day celebration.
In Game 1, the Raiders started all nine freshmen—and the result was explosive. GRCC erupted for 12 runs in the first inning on 10 hits, including a pair of two-run triples from Ella Showers. The Raiders finished with 15 hits in the run-rule victory. Abbie Critchett went a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs, while Kenady O'Leary and Showers each drove in four runs. Tia Schone (6-3) was stellar in the circle, tossing a complete-game shutout with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Game 2 featured all nine sophomores in the starting lineup and turned into a pitcher's duel. GRCC plated three runs in the first inning on just one hit, aided by two sacrifice flies, and didn't record another hit until the sixth inning. Despite the limited offense, the Raiders secured a 5-2 win behind a dominant performance from Lilly Klop (7-1). Klop retired the first 12 batters she faced and carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning before allowing a lone double that accounted for both Bay runs. She finished with nine strikeouts and allowed just one hit. Natalee Beck led the offense with two RBIs.
Softball will conclude its regular season Sunday at Belknap Park, hosting Bay College in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.
With championships already in hand, both Raider squads now turn their attention to finishing strong and carrying momentum into postseason play.
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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
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