Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University (GVSU) split a doubleheader against Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) on Saturday. The first game ended in a 4-0 defeat for GVSU, while they rebounded in the second game with a 7-2 victory.

In the second game, Saginaw Valley State took an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. GVSU responded with one run in the bottom of the inning, as Junior shortstop Evan Morrison singled and was brought home by Senior first baseman Jonas Gulbrandsen’s groundout.

The Lakers gained the upper hand in the third inning, capitalizing on SVSU's errors to score twice more. Evan Morrison reached base on a fielding error, followed by a single from left fielder Ryan Dykstra. Jonas Gulbrandsen drove in Morrison with a single, and catcher Brendan Guciardo's error-laden play allowed for bases to be loaded. Second baseman Ayden VanEnkevort’s fielder’s choice then scored Dykstra.

During a decisive seventh inning for GVSU, Jonas Gulbrandsen was hit by a pitch. Guciardo singled, VanEnkevort walked, and these actions combined with Nick Krstich's two-run single, extended GVSU's lead significantly. Third baseman Caleb Estrada's two-out single finalized the score at 7-2.

Senior pitcher Collin Bradley delivered a robust performance over seven innings, allowing just two runs on one hit while striking out seven and retiring 16 consecutive batters. Closing the game, Senior Will Goebel secured his third save of the season.

In the earlier game of the day, GVSU struggled offensively, managing only three hits and suffering a 4-0 loss. First baseman Jovan Gill achieved two hits in as many at-bats. Owen Avery, dealing with the loss, gave up three runs on nine hits while compiling seven strikeouts, and Sebastian Talaga pitched the closing innings.

The series is set to conclude on Sunday, April 6, with the first pitch scheduled for 12 noon.