April 17, 2005

Box Score

Erie, Penn. - The Grand Valley pitchers continued their dominance on the hill, allowing just one run against Gannon Sunday (Apr. 17) afternoon. The Lakers took game one by a 3-0 score thanks to a masterful performance by Jeremy Dow. Dow struck out 13 Knights and allowed three hits on the day. The Laker offense came to life in game two as they crusied to an 11-1 victory. Scott Smith became the career leader in stolen bases in game two, stealing number 51.  Smith has swiped 20 bases on the year and now holds the Laker record in only his second year.  Grand Valley improves to 20-9 overall and 11-5 in the GLIAC. Gannon falls to 5-24 overall and 2-11 in GLIAC action. The Lakers next contest will be Tuesday, April 19 a 3 PM against St. Joseph's (Ind.) in a North Central Regional showdown.

Jeremy Dow was the difference maker in game one for the Lakers, pitching a complete game shutout, allowing three hits and striking out a season-high 13 batters. The Lakers took advantage of errors in the second and third innings to get on the board and provide Dow with a two run cushion. Chad Rohacs hit a double to centerfield that was misplayed which allowed Rohacs to advance to third on the play. Clay Ackerman followed by reaching base on an error by the first baseman, allowing Rohacs to stroll home from third. Grand Valley was able to advance runners to second and third during the inning but were unable to tack on any more runs. Nick Smith hit a two out triple to the centerfield wall in the third inning and scored on the play when the centerfielder committed an error. The Lakers added on another run in the fifth when Nick Sandy connected on his seventh home run of the season and his second in as many days. Sandy's shot to left field was all Dow needed as he cruised through the final three innings striking out three and picking off another runner. Chad Rohacs went 2-3 on the game with a double and a run scored.

   

The Laker offense came to life in game two driving in 11 runs on two home runs and only left six runners on base the entire game. Scott Smith led off the game with a walk, stole second, advanced to third on a fielder's choice and scored on a Nick Smith RBI single to right center. Grand Valley was held in check until the fourth inning when they used a two-out rally to score three runs and gain a 4-0 advantage. After Brandon McFarland grounded out and Nick Smith flew out, Nick Sandy walked and the onslaught began. Sandy advanced to second on a wild pitch and was driven in by a Chad Rohacs single to left field. Rohacs was followed by a Clay Ackerman home run to right center. The Knights were able to get one run on the board against starter Grant Payton in the bottom of the fourth, but the Lakers responded with three more runs of their own in the fifth. Ryan Lyster led off the inning with a single up the middle, stole second, and scored on a Scott Smith RBI single to left field. Brandon McFarland followed with a two-run home run to left center that extended the Laker lead to 7-1. Grand Valley added four more runs in the sixth when McFarland delivered once again, this time with a bases loaded triple to center field. Nick Smith continued his hot hitting with an RBI single to drive in McFarland from third. Payton went five innings, allowing one run on five hits and recorded six K's. Matt Middleton and Joe Finnerty combined for two shutout innings of relief to seal the game.

The Lakers return to action Tuesday, April 19 at 3 PM in a home contest against North Central Regional foe St. Joseph's (Ind.). Grand Valley returns to GLIAC play Wednesday, April 20 when they travel to Midland, Mich. to take on Northwood in a doubleheader beginning at 3 PM.