Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's baseball team secured a 3-2 victory against Gannon in their home opener on Thursday. The Lakers, now with a record of 13-4, will face Gannon again in a doubleheader scheduled for Friday at noon.

The game began with Grand Valley State scoring in the first inning. Shortstop Evan Morrison was hit by a pitch and later advanced to third base, eventually scoring on designated hitter Jonas Gulbrandsen's single to left field.

Sophomore pitcher Owen Avery delivered an impressive performance by retiring the first nine Gannon batters consecutively and not allowing a hit until the fourth inning. Gannon managed to tie the game with an unearned run during that inning.

The score remained tied until the seventh inning when Grand Valley State took the lead with two runs. Ryan Dykstra singled, followed by consecutive RBI doubles from Jovan Gill and Gulbrandsen, pushing the Lakers ahead 3-1. Although Gannon scored once more in the eighth inning and had a player reach base in the ninth, relief pitcher Colby Phipps closed out the game effectively.

Avery's strong outing included giving up only one unearned run on three hits while striking out 11 batters over seven innings. Phipps secured the save after pitching two innings.

Gulbrandsen contributed significantly with two hits and two RBIs, including a double. Gill also added an RBI double, while Morrison, Dykstra, and Gill each scored a run. Second baseman Zach Warren recorded two hits as well.