By Shane Madden
The Grand Rapids Community College baseball team wrapped up their season on Friday May 20, with a pair of losses in the NJCAA Region 12 tournament, snapping a 17-game win streak.
The Raiders fell 10-2 to Lansing Community College, one of the top teams in the nation, after giving up seven runs in the second inning and struggling to find any offensive momentum. The tough loss ended their win streak and sent them to the elimination bracket.
A few hours later the Raiders took the field against Kellogg Community College in a win or go home contest with the victor moving on to to the regional title game. The Bruins outscored the Raiders 8-4, avenging their loss to GRCC in round one of the tournament and ending the Raider’s season.
Despite dropping their first 10 games on a long road trip against Division 1 competition, the Raiders put together an impressive run of games during the latter portion of the schedule. Finishing the year 31-22-1 overall but 20-8 (second place) in conference play.
With the baseball season wrapped up, postseason award winners have been announced with eight Raiders receiving honors.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Dykstra was named runner up for MCCAA Western Conference Player of the year and joins redshirt freshman Jerad Berkenpas on the All-Region, All-MCCAA, First Team All-Conference, and the All-Tournament team.
Redshirt freshmen Caleb Engelsmen, Eliott Traver, and Drew Murphy, along with Freshman Dylan Chargo were named Second Team All-Conference. Redshirt freshman Jacob Gumieny and freshman Xander Reisbig received All-Conference Honorable Mention.
