March 10, 2005

Box Score

Joplin, Mo. - Grand Valley jumped out to a quick 7-1 lead after two innings and never looked back en route to an 18-6 victory over Northern State. The Lakers scored in every inning but the third and seventh in the win. Jeff Sinicki picked up his second win of the season going four innings, allowing five runs, and striking out one. Scott Smith and Scott Allen each crossed the plate five times on the day. Grand Valley begins the Central Missouri Classic against Bemidji State on Friday, March 11 at 6:00 pm CT.

The first three batters in the Laker lineup each scored to start the first and second innings as Grand Valley posted three runs in the first and four in the second. Scott Allen started the scoring for the Lakers when he drove in Scott Smith from first base on a double to deep centerfield. Brandon McFarland and Nick Smith followed with back-to-back RBI singles to give the Lakers a 3-1 lead after the first. Clay Ackerman led off the second with a double to right center and scored on another ball hit by Allen. McFarland followed with a shot to the shortstop that scored two more runs for the Lakers. McFarland eventually scored on a Chad Rohacs single up the middle.

The Lakers tacked on four more runs in the fourth when they recorded four hits, one extra base hit, and sent eight batters to the plate. Nick Sandy tallied two of his three RBI in the fourth with an single to right field that scored Rohacs and Nick Smith. Grand Valley continued to roll in the fifth when the Scott Smith, Allen, and McFarland hit three consecuitive singles. The Lakers scored four more times in the sixth on a solo home run by Sandy and a two RBI triple by Allen. Nate McCrory pitched two innings of relief allowing one run on four hits. Joe Finnerty pitched a perfect seventh inning, striking out one.

Grand Valley improves to 7-2 on the year and plays Bemidji State on Friday (Mar. 11) and then #12 Emporia State and #3 Central Missouri State on Saturday (Mar. 12) to end their spring break trip.