Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) secured an 8-1 win against Parkside in the opening game of the 2024 GLIAC Baseball Tournament at Jackson Field in Lansing, Michigan. As a result, the #2-seeded Lakers will move on to face either Wayne State or Davenport in their next match on Friday evening.

The Lakers took an early lead with a run in the second inning when Nate Logan reached base on an error and Jake Rydquist doubled to left field, allowing Logan to score. Parkside responded with a single run in the third inning. GVSU pitcher Nick Rutowski managed to escape a challenging situation with bases loaded by securing a strikeout and inducing a fly out.

In the fifth inning, GVSU added three more runs. Rydquist was hit by a pitch and Ayden VanEnkevort singled him to third base. Kyle Nott then singled to bring home Rydquist and subsequently stole second base. Ryan Dykstra's single allowed both VanEnkevort and Nott to score.

The scoring continued for GVSU in the seventh inning as Rydquist started off with a single, followed by VanEnkevort walking and Nott reaching on a bunt single, loading the bases. Dykstra's RBI single drove in another run. Jonas Gulbrandsen contributed with a sacrifice fly that scored VanEnkevort, while Brendan Guciardo's fielder's choice allowed Nott to score. Connor Schuman capped off the scoring for GVSU with another sacrifice fly that brought Dykstra home.

Nick Rutkowski (7-4) earned the win for GVSU by allowing one run on six hits while striking out four batters over his time on the mound. This victory marked his 21st career win, tying him for third place on GVSU’s all-time wins list. Logan Wynalda and Colby Phipps each pitched scoreless innings following Rutkowski.

Offensively, Jake Rydquist went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored; Ryan Dykstra had two hits along with three RBIs; Kyle Nott also recorded two hits alongside an RBI; Connor Schuman drove in one run via sacrifice fly; Ayden VanEnkevort contributed two hits coupled with two runs scored.

This victory enhances Grand Valley State’s historical performance record within GLIAC Tournament play to 53 wins against 17 losses.