Josh Slayton Student Manager | Grand Valley State University Athletics Website
Josh Slayton Student Manager | Grand Valley State University Athletics Website
Grand Valley State University (GVSU) baseball team secured a 3-0 victory against Purdue Northwest in a GLIAC matchup at the GVSU Baseball Field on Friday afternoon. The two teams are set to meet again for a doubleheader on Saturday, starting at 1 p.m.
The game commenced with strong pitching performances from both starters and a resilient defense from Purdue Northwest that managed to thwart GVSU's scoring attempts during the initial three innings. The Lakers broke the deadlock in the fourth inning when second baseman Ayden VanEnkevort delivered a two-out single, allowing Nathan Logan to score from second base after he had walked and stolen second.
GVSU extended their lead in the seventh inning. Shortstop Connor Schuman and center fielder Kyle Nott began with singles, followed by left fielder Ryan Dykstra hitting a single to right-center field, bringing Schuman home for a 2-0 advantage. In the eighth inning, Logan singled before first baseman Conner McCormack hit a double into left-center field against strong winds, enabling Logan to score from first base and giving GVSU a 3-0 lead.
Senior pitcher Nick Rutkowski aimed for a complete game shutout in the ninth inning. Although he retired the first two batters, his stellar start was interrupted by an opponent's single with two outs. Will Goebel then entered to secure the save by getting the final out.
Rutkowski allowed six hits and struck out five batters, earning his fifth win of the season and marking his 19th career victory. McCormack contributed significantly with three hits out of four at-bats, including an RBI double. Nott also performed well offensively with two hits and reached base once more via walk. VanEnkevort and Dykstra each had one hit with an RBI contribution while Logan scored twice off one hit in three at-bats. Schuman recorded one run scored from his four plate appearances, while third baseman Jonas Gulbrandsen demonstrated solid defensive skills along with securing one hit out of four tries; catcher Brendan Guciardo added another hit for GVSU.
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