ALLENDALE, Mich.-- The Grand Valley State baseball team got off to hot starts in both games of Wednesday's doubleheader with Ashland and never trailed on their way to a pair of victories, improving to 19-13 overall (7-7 GLIAC) with the sweep. The Lakers scored five runs in the first inning of the opener and went on to win by an 8-2 margin, and scored a pair of first frame runs in the nightcap on the way to a lopsided 14-5 victory.

A gem on the mound from Tate Brawley (4-0) carried the Lakers in the opening game, as Brawley went the distance and scattered five hits and two runs across seven frames while striking out six. Three two-RBI singles from Austin LaDoux, Keith Browning and Matt Williams provided most of the offense, while right fielder Alex Young added a late solo home run for good measure.

Young, Browning, Williams and Seth Johnson all paced the Lakers with two hits apiece, while Young and Josh Smith each scored a pair of Laker runs. 

In the second game, the Lakers touched up Eagles starter Sam Rice for two first inning runs as Johnson and Anthony Villar both hit RBI singles.  After an Eagle run in the third, a three run third gave the Lakers a 5-1 lead. Villar doubled to right field to drive in two, while Browning continued his strong day at the plate with an RBI double to plate Villar shortly thereafter. 

In the eighth inning, Williams hit a laser shot over the left field wall on an 0-2 count, a three-run blast to push the Lakers in front 12-5. Villar and Browning each added RBI singles to further extend the Laker lead. 

Villar went 4-4 on the day and drove in four runs, while Williams plated three on the big fly and scored a pair of runs. Johnson reach three times on base knocks and scored all three times, while Young had two hits and two RBI. Smith tallied three hits, two runs scored and a walk. 

Noah Lamboley (4-1) earned the decision on the mound, pitching six solid innings in which he scattered eight hits and struck out three. Brendan Nearing, Troy Dykhuis and Williams each pitched an inning of relief, with Williams striking out a pair of batters. 

GVSU continues conference play with a four-game series against Lake Erie this weekend in Painesville, Ohio, with play taking place on Friday and Saturday.