By Gabe Amy
Grand Rapids Community College baseball defeated Aquinas JV 10-8 in a nine-inning contest on Tuesday, April 14. The win snapped GRCC’s two-game losing streak that had accumulated over the weekend in an away trip against conference opponent Muskegon Community College.
The game, originally scheduled to be played at Bellknap Park, was moved to the Meijer Sports Complex in Rockford due to weather concerns.
“We’re just happy to play,” said Head Coach Mike Eddington. “You don’t get better if you’re not playing and practicing, and the way the weather is, we’re happy to have the game.”
GRCC took the lead at the bottom of the first, thanks to an RBI single from sophomore catcher Carter Gulick, but had fallen behind 3-1 before entering the bottom of the fourth inning. It was then that the Raiders’ offense came to life, stringing together five consecutive hits and scoring three runs to take a 4-3 lead.
Aquinas answered the very next inning, scoring two runs to regain the lead. GRCC responded, tacking on another five hits to take the lead.
Sophomore Infielder Andrew Conrad would hit a two-run homer over 385 feet clear over the centerfield wall, his first home run this season.
“Feels great, been waiting for that one,” Conrad shared after the game. Although he was more excited about how his hit benefited the team rather than him individually. “Even better to get the team wins, though, that means more to me,” he said.
Defensively, it was the combined effort of five pitchers. Freshman Owen Waha made the start, followed by sophomore Jansen Douma and sophomore Dylan Johnston, who each tossed two innings. Freshman Cam Schader worked one inning before freshman Sam Vanneste closed out the final two innings to secure the win, getting 10 strikeouts collectively.
Behind the plate, sophomore catcher Jameson Beale (“Jamo” to his teammates and coaches) had two impressive outs in the third inning to help hold Aquinas back. One at first and another at home plate, Beale spoke on how teamwork was key to executing the plays.
“Just wanted to compete and wanted to play for our guys when we’re in sticky situations like that. Just gotta remember that. I mean, you’re not the only guy on the field, you got eight other guys behind you backing you up. Aiden Friess, our first baseman, was ready for that play at first, and Parker Groeninck, our second baseman, cut that throw off I had for the play at the plate. So, I mean, we’re all just playing really well right now.”
The Raiders return to action Friday, April 17, facing Mid Michigan College in a doubleheader. The first game is set to start at 3 p.m the second at 5 p.m. The games are to be held at GVSU.
