Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's baseball team secured a 9-4 victory against Wayne State in a GLIAC matchup. The win, which took place Thursday at the GVSU Baseball Field, improved the Lakers' record to 29-9 overall and 12-5 in GLIAC play. The teams are set to play a doubleheader on Friday, starting at noon.

Wayne State initially led 1-0, courtesy of a solo home run in the second inning. However, the Lakers responded in the bottom half when RF Ryan Stimac's RBI single brought 2B Ayden VanEnkevort home. Wayne State regained a 2-1 lead with another solo homer in the fourth inning, but Grand Valley State took control, scoring six runs in the same inning. A remarkable series of hits included a double by C Brendan Guciardo, a single by Ayden VanEnkevort, and a three-run homer by CF Caden VanEnkevort. SS Evan Morrison contributed with a single and a stolen base, setting up for a two-run home run by Ryan Dykstra, followed by another solo homer from 1B Jovan Gill.

Gill impressed again in the sixth inning, hitting his second home run, adding two more runs to the scoreboard. Senior Jayden Dentler, now 8-0 for the season, gave up two runs on five hits while striking out a season-high of nine over six innings. Senior Colby Phipps earned the save with three strikeouts in two innings.

Offensively, Gill was 2-3 with three RBIs and two home runs, while Thelen also contributed with three RBIs and a three-run homer. Dykstra completed the game 1-3 with two RBIs and a two-run home run. Other notable performances included Stimac and Ayden VanEnkevort, finishing 1-4 and 2-4, respectively.