Box Score
March 5, 2005
Grand Valley opened its season with a 10-8 victory in 10 innings over Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday night. Joe Finnerty picked up the win by pitching the final two innings while giving up one run. Scott Allen led the Lakers offense posting three hits and scoring four runs. Grand Valley returns to action Saturday, March 5 at 12:30 against UMSL and at 6:30 against UM-Rolla.
The Lakers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead when Nick Smith connected on a two-run double that knocked in Scott Smith and Allen in the top of the first inning. Wisconsin-Parkside responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning to tie the game. The Lakers added another run in the top of the third inning on a combination of throwing errors by the Rangers. The Laker lead did not last long as Wisconsin-Parkside knocked in three runs in the fifth inning and two more in the sixth to take a 7-3 lead. Nick Smith knocked in another run in the top of a two run seventh with a ground-rule double to right center. Allen scored from second on the double and Brandon McFarland advanced to third. Nick Sandy followed with a single that allowed McFarland to score and cut the lead to two. Grand Valley could not get another run across the plate in the seventh as they left the bases loaded, but were able to score twice in the eighth to tie the score at seven. The bases were loaded once again in the tenth inning when Clay Ackerman hit a fly ball to centerfield which was dropped and allowed three runs to score. Grand Valley was able to hold off a late rally by the Rangers in the bottom half for the win.
Marty Jackimowicz started the game for the Lakers going five innings and striking out five, while allowing five runs. The Laker relievers gave up three runs in five innings of work. Casey Robrahn and Matt Middleton provided an inning apiece of shutout ball. Joe Finnerty came in to start the ninth inning and allowed one run on three hits in two innings of work to pick up the win. Scott Allen led the Lakers by going three for four from the dish and scoring four times. Nick Smith was three for five on the night with three rbis and two runs. Brandon McFarland added in three hits and two runs.
