March 5, 2005

Box Score

Grand Valley was unable to overcome six errors as UMSL held on for a 12-7 win. The Lakers trailed by as many as 11 runs (12-1) but cut the lead to five in the final inning. Sean McLeod took the loss for the Lakers who fall to 1-1 on the season. Scott Allen scored three of the Lakers seven runs on the day. Grand Valley returns to action later today (March 5) at 6:30 pm against UM-Rolla, in the final game of UMSL's tournament.

The Lakers spotted the Rivermen a 9-0 lead after the first two innings as Grand Valley committed five errors. Brandon McFarland got the Lakers on the board in the top of the third when he hit a double to left field that scored Scott Allen from second. Grand Valley was kept at bay until the top of the sixth when Scott Smith scored on a McFarland single and Allen crossed the plate on a Mike Lantzy balk. Lantzy held the Lakers to only three runs through the first six innings. Grand Valley loaded the bases in the top of the seventh when Allen hit a grand slam 375 feet to left-centerfield. The Lakers were unable to cross the plate again as UMSL held on for the win.

Scott Allen went three for four on the day with two doubles, a grand slam, three runs, and four rbis. Brandon McFarland also fueled the Laker offense as he went two for four with two rbis. Grant Payton and Matt Middleton combined to keep the Rivermen off the scoreboard over the final 2 2/3 innings. Payton struck out four in 1 2/3 innings of work. The Lakers finish the UMSL tournament tonight (March 5) at 6:30 pm against UM-Rolla before heading to Joplin, Mo. to take on Missouri Southern Monday, March 7.