March 3, 2022, COLUMBIA, Tenn. -- An eight-run fourth inning led the Grand Rapids Community College baseball team to a 15-5 victory over Columbia State Community College on Thursday, snapping a 10-game losing streak to start the season.
The win concluded the team’s annual southern trip to start the season, where it challenges itself by facing tough non-conference teams that have been playing outdoors in warmer climates.
"We are very happy with the development of our players," Coach Mike Eddington said. "Our players learned they can compete with the top D1 community colleges in the country, which should give them confidence."
Eddington said the team learned it has to do little things to win close games, such as getting bunts down, improving base running and situational hitting.
"We also learned our guys will compete and not give up and can move on from a close loss," he said. "We need to continue to try to getter better each day. I think we will our players are together and are motivated to be good."
Dylan Chargo, Zacarias Salinas, Caleb Engelsman, Jacob Gumieny, and Ryan Dykstra all contributed in GRCC’s big inning with RBIs.
Jerad Berkenpas was the winning pitcher. The righthander lasted five innings, allowing five hits and four runs while striking out one. Eliott Traver and Jeremy Marble entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game.
Patrick Green took the loss for Columbia State, with the southpaw surrendering eight runs on eight hits over two and two-thirds innings, striking out three and walking one.
Nicholas Neighbours started the game for Columbia State, lasting three and a third innings, allowing five runs on four hits and striking out one
GRCC had 12 hits. Dykstra, Luke Huerta, Xander Reisbig, and Salinas all had multiple hits, with Dykstra getting a single, double, and triple in five at-bats.
GRCC’s next game is March 20, facing University of Northwestern Ohio’s junior varsity team in Lima, Ohio.
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