Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University secured a decisive 9-2 victory over Hillsdale College in a non-conference baseball game. The win advances the Lakers' record to 24-9, while Hillsdale's stands at 17-16. GVSU is set to host a four-game series against Roosevelt, beginning on Friday at 3 p.m.

The Lakers got off to a strong start by scoring three runs in the first inning. Evan Morrison walked, Ryan Dykstra singled, and Jonas Gulbrandsen drove in Morrison with a double. Brendan Guciardo contributed with a single that brought Dykstra home, and Ayden VanEnkevort added another run with a sacrifice fly.

Ryan Stimac was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning, followed by a single from Caleb Estrada and a run-scoring double by Morrison. Dykstra further extended the lead with a two-RBI double, putting the score at 6-0.

In the top of the seventh inning, VanEnkevort and Nick Krstich each hit a single. Caden Thelen followed with a single that drove in one run, and Estrada hit a triple that brought in two more, increasing the lead to 9-2.

Caden Thelen achieved the first four-hit game of his career, going 4-for-5 with an RBI and a triple. Ryan Dykstra finished 3-for-4, recording two RBIs and scoring a run. Caleb Estrada also impressed, going 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a triple, while Ayden VanEnkevort went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored.

Right-handed pitcher Zach Warren, making his career debut on the mound, earned the win in relief, striking out five and not allowing a hit over three innings. Sebastian Talaga started, pitching three innings with two runs allowed on four hits and two strikeouts. Ty Randall recorded his first career save, completing the final three innings with two strikeouts.