May 17, 2003

Box Score

Grand Valley came from behind to defeat Ashland University, 3-2, in 11 innings. The Lakers (39-12-1) will play Indianapolis in the North Central Region Championship game on Sunday at 12 noon.

GVSU trailed 2-1 going into the ninth, but Kevin Boyd hit a one-out home run to send the game into extra innings. Tony Pfennig started off the 11th inning with a walk, advancing to third on a sacrafice bunt by Joe Brunink and a ground out to the pitcher by Boyd. The Eagles intentionally walked Elijah Beckwith and Scott Allen walked to load the bases. Matt Wright singled to left field, driving in the winning run.

Grand Valley was able to hold of the Eagles in the bottom of the 11th for the victory. The Lakers just three hits on the day, but they came at crucial times. Boyd and Beckwith each recorded a home run in the game.

Matt Rafeld pitched 9.1 innings for GVSU allowing six hits, one earned run, and struck out two batters. Joe Finnerty picked up his third win of the season, pitching the final 1.2 innings of play, striking out two and yielding one hit.

GVSU will advance to its first-ever Regional Championship game. Before this season, the Lakers were 1-6 in regional action.