Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University's baseball team, ranked eighth, completed a successful four-game road series against Purdue Northwest as part of the GLIAC competition. The team won with scores of 7-6 and 10-9 in the doubleheader games on Sunday. Following this road trip, GVSU is set to host Northwood at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

In the first game, GVSU established an early 5-2 lead, but Purdue Northwest rallied with a three-run home run to tie the game in the bottom of the third inning. The teams exchanged runs during the fourth and fifth innings. It was first baseman Jovan Gill who secured the lead with a two-out, RBI single, bringing shortstop Evan Morrison home in the sixth inning. Senior relief pitcher Will Goebel successfully closed the game, securing his fourth save of the season. Senior Collin Bradley was credited with the win, despite allowing six runs on eight hits over five innings. Gill contributed notably with three hits, an RBI, and a run. Designated hitter Jonas Gulbrandsen made significant contributions as well, with two hits and an RBI.

The second game saw Purdue Northwest take an early lead of 5-2 after three innings. GVSU responded with two runs in the fifth inning and three in the sixth, taking a 7-6 lead. Catcher Nick Krstich played a pivotal role by delivering a two-run triple and an RBI single during these innings. The top of the ninth inning was crucial, with left fielder Ryan Dykstra hitting a three-run homer, extending GVSU's lead to 10-6. Although Purdue NW managed to score a home run and load the bases in the bottom of the ninth, GVSU's defense held firm, securing the win by preventing the tying run from scoring.

Pitcher Ayden VanEnkevort earned the win, pitching for 5.1 innings and allowing four runs with three strikeouts. Key performances included Ryan Dykstra's contribution of three RBIs and two runs, as well as Nick Krstich's three RBIs. Jovan Gill also had a significant impact, delivering two hits and an RBI.