By Alexandria Webb
Grand Rapids Community College men’s baseball snagged the win against Muskegon Community College in two close games, with the final score rounding out to 4-3. This brings the Raiders to an overall season record of 13-10 (10-1) in conference, and has extended their win streak to 10 games.
Head Coach Mike Eddington was glad for the competition, noting the competitiveness of both teams.
“…Glad we won, and credit to our players for finishing both games. Muskegon’s a good team, and they know how our players want to win. And I credit Muskegon, they played a good game, too,” Eddington said.
Despite the struggles with hitting, the Raiders still found a way to push forward runs.
“We found a way to run, I’m happy with that, and just need to plan on keep getting better and better,” Eddington said.
Sophomore First Baseman Peter Hientz credited the win to how the team came together when they needed to the most.
“It was just sticking together as a team, passing the stick as hitters, and buckling down the defense. We didn’t have our best day hitting, but we still found ways to score in kind of unorthodox ways,” Heintz said. “Just being able to find any way to put runs on the board.”
Sophomore Pitcher Kyle O’Hearn shared a similar take on what got them through the game, and eventually to victory.
“I would say putting trust in your teammates, even though we had a slow start offensively, I still had trust throughout the whole game, and just putting faith in my teammates so I knew they’d get it done,” said O’Hearn.
In those situations where things may not go according to plan, Heintz finds a way to relax on the field.
“Something I do is just breathe. I like to breathe…just relax, understand the moments are never that big. So I just like to always breathe, and stay calm in big moments,” Heintz said.
Heintz also reminds himself that he is not in this game alone.
“I understand that if I make a mistake, I have my teammate up next to save me, help me out,” Heintz said.
O’Hearn points out that sometimes the best thing you can do is what you’re already doing.
“I’ll just say do your job, if the offensive bats don’t get going, just do your job. I can’t be upset when you’re just doing your job, everything doesn’t go according to plan,” O’Hearn said.
Pitching was essential for the Raiders’ defense, according to the GRCC athletics news.
“Kyle O’Hearn earned the win in the first game, allowing four hits over six innings while striking out four. Sam Schmuker closed the door in the seventh for his third save…starter Kyler Larsen (2-1) went 5.1 innings, allowing just one earned run, while Sam Vanneste secured his first save by retiring the side in order.”
Heintz echoed similar thoughts, praising the crucial work done by the pitchers.
“Credit to our pitchers, they pitched great, Kyle O’Hearn, Kyler Larson, Sam Vanneste, and Sam Schmuker. They kept us in it today, so kudos to the pitching staff on this one,” Heintz said.
Despite the closeness of the games, Eddington shared that he was not nervous.
“I don’t get nervous anymore, really, because the players determine the outcome of the game,” Eddington said.
Throughout the intensity of the game and the struggles of hitting, demonstrating their reliance on each other helped to claim victory.
The Raiders will travel to Muskegon to play MCC on their home field on Saturday, April 11, in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
