Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University secured a narrow 8-7 victory against Saginaw Valley State on Friday afternoon in the first game of their four-game series at the GVSU Baseball Field. The series continues with a doubleheader scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.

The decisive moment came when Caleb Estrada, a sophomore, singled with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, advanced to second base thanks to a wild pitch, and eventually scored the winning run. This winning play was made possible by a two-strike single from junior Evan Morrison to center field.

The Lakers established an early lead with Jonas Gulbrandsen's single at the beginning of the second inning, which led to the first run thanks to a fielder's choice by Ryan Stimac. The team expanded their lead with a five-run surge in the fifth inning, highlighted by Jovan Gill's two-run home run.

Saginaw Valley State responded with two runs in the top of the fifth and four more in the seventh, leveling the score at 6-6. GVSU regained the lead in the bottom of the seventh, but SVSU equalized once more in the eighth.

The game ended in dramatic fashion with a walk-off victory for the Lakers. Senior Colby Phipps, who pitched in relief, earned the win with three innings, allowing two runs from four hits. Jayden Dentler started the game for GVSU, conceding two runs over six hits.

Morrison finished the game with two hits and two RBIs. Gill contributed with a home run and two RBIs, while Thelen and Estrada each recorded two hits and contributed to the scoring effort. Gulbrandsen also accomplished two hits during the game.