Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University secured an 8-2 victory against Saginaw Valley State University in their GLIAC series finale. The Lakers concluded the series winning 3-1. Their overall record stands at 23-9, and they are 7-5 in GLIAC action. A non-conference game is scheduled at Hillsdale on Wednesday.

The Cardinals initially led with two runs scored in the first inning, capitalizing on two hits, two walks, and a hit batter. GVSU's pitcher Allan Thorington, despite a challenging start, threw 40 pitches in the opening inning but regained control to retire 16 consecutive batters. Thorington completed seven innings, claiming his third win of the season with four strikeouts.

Grand Valley State responded in the third inning with freshman centerfielder Caden Thelen doubling to left center. Thelen progressed to third after a sacrifice bunt by outfielder Ryan Stimac and scored on a groundout by third baseman Caleb Estrada. In the fifth inning, Estrada's single allowed catcher Nick Krstich to score, tying the game. Left fielder Ryan Dykstra's double in the sixth led to a 3-2 lead when he scored on a groundout by designated hitter Brendan Guciardo.

Their lead extended to 4-2 in the seventh, with Stimac scoring after reaching third on a fielder's choice. The Lakers further cemented the win with four additional runs in the eighth inning. Second baseman Zach Warren's single and steal set the stage for contributions from Stimac, Krstich, and Morrison, who collectively brought in the final runs.

Pitcher Ayden VanEnkevort closed the victory by earning a save, pitching two innings of no-hit baseball. Estrada was instrumental at bat, going 2-4 with four RBIs, while Morrison and Krstich also contributed significantly to the team's offense.