March 26, 2009

Box Score

Ashland, Ohio - #1-Ranked Grand Valley State dropped a 5-4 GLIAC contest at #12 Ashland Wednesday (Mar. 26). GVSU falls to 21-3 and 5-1, while Ashland improves to 18-7 and 3-1. GVSU will play a GLIAC doubleheader at Tiffin Friday beginning at 1 p.m.

Grand Valley State took an early 2-0 lead when 1B Cory Maguire walked and DH Ben Knuth followed with a 2-run homer to left in the top of the second. RF Cody Grice followed with a single and eventually moved to third on a sacrafice and a groundout. However, Grice was stranded at third. Ashland answered with four runs on three hits in the bottom of the second. Ashland also drew two walks in the inning.

Grand Valley State drew even with the Eagles in the top of the fourth on back-to-back singles by Maguire and Knuth. Grice sacraficed both over one base and freshman SS Steve Anderson followed with a double to center. Ashland regained the lead in the bottom half of the frame with a leadoff single and a sacrafice. Another single plated the game-winner on a close play at the plate. The Lakers were able to get a runner to third with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but CF Casey Robrahn flied out to center to end the game.

Maguire was 1-for-2 with two runs scored, while Knuth was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs. Anderson drove in a pair with a double. GVSU starter Matt Cade yielded four runs on four hits in 1.1 innings of work. Jared Knuth was tagged with the loss despite pitching well in relief. Knuth gave up one run on five hits in 4.2 innings. Ashland outhit the Lakers 9-7.