MAY 4, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College closed out its regular season in dominant fashion Monday, defeating Lansing Community College 7-0 in a nine-inning non-conference matchup at home.
The win pushes GRCC to 27-12 overall and extends its winning streak to 14 games. Lansing, which entered the contest as one of the hottest teams in the region, falls to 34-22 as its 13-game winning streak comes to an end. Both teams now turn their attention to the NJCAA Region XII Tournament, which begins Thursday.
Already crowned conference champions, the Raiders showed they are postseason-ready with a complete performance on both sides of the ball. GRCC jumped on Lansing early, plating four runs in the first inning. Michael Hurlbutt delivered the biggest blow with a three-run home run—his fourth of the season—highlighting a five-hit opening frame that set the tone for the game.
That early cushion was more than enough for a GRCC pitching staff that combined for a four-hit shutout. It was a true bullpen day for the Raiders, as eight pitchers saw action. Starter Sam Vanneste (2-1) earned the win, tossing two scoreless innings to open the game. The Raider staff was nearly untouchable, holding Lansing hitless until the fifth inning and never allowing a serious scoring threat.
Offensively, GRCC totaled 12 hits in the victory. Hurlbutt and Jack Lockwood each led the way with three hits, while Jack Lockwood and Cannon Paul added two hits apiece in a balanced attack.
With the regular season complete, GRCC now shifts its focus to the postseason. The Raiders enter the NJCAA Region XII Tournament as the No. 4 seed and will host No. 7 seed Mid Michigan College in a best-of-three opening round series. GRCC swept Mid Michigan during the regular season.
Game one of the series is scheduled for Thursday at 1:00 p.m., followed by game two at 4:00 p.m. If necessary, a deciding game three will follow.
For more information and the full Region XII bracket, visit: https://njcaaregion12.org/tournaments/bsb2/2025-26/index
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