SPRING ARBOR, Mich. — Grace College's baseball team failed to fight its way back after giving up an early deficit at Spring Arbor.
The Cougars (17-23, 10-10 Crossroads League) built an early lead in the first two innings of the nine-inning contest. The Lancers had no luck against Spring Arbor's pitching, as Grace (13-24-1, 5-15 CL) struggled to string together back to back hits. Spring Arbor completed its season sweep of Grace 4-1.
Two singles followed by a double plated the first two runs for Spring Arbor in the first inning. A third run was pushed across in the inning to give the Cougars a 3-0 lead. They added another run to their lead in the second inning after a single to centerfield.
Grace had several chances to mount a comeback. In the third inning, Grace had runners on second and third with no outs. A strikeout and a pop out failed to bring the runners around. A hit by pitch loaded the bases with two outs loaded the bases, and Chase Baker's line drive single scored Mitchell Enyart to give the Lancers their lone run of the day.
For the rest of the game, Grace was not able to piece together multiple hits in any inning. Hard hit balls by the Lancers were unable to find holes in the defense.
With one last chance to make a comeback, the Lancers looked to rally in the ninth. A single and a walk brought the tying run to the plate with two outs, but Grace came up empty.
The bullpen for the Lancers kept them in the game. David Anderson was first out of the bullpen throwing three innings, allowing just one hit, no run, and getting four strikeouts. Aaron Voirol matched Anderson's effort with one hitless inning of his own.
Spring Arbor's Duncan Patterson got the win pitching seven innings, giving up just one run on five hits, as he struck out six batters. Nick Carroll earned the save with two scoreless innings of work.
Grace was only able to muster up five hits as a team, and they stranded nine baserunners. Baker had the lone RBI.
The Lancers will look to work their way back into postseason contention when they play a nine-inning game against Huntington at home on Wednesday. First pitch at Miller Field will take place at 3 p.m.
