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March 8, 2005
Pittsburg, Kan. - Grand Valley dropped an 8-5 decision to Pittsburg State Tuesday (Mar. 8) night in Pittsburg, Kan. Brandon McFarland continued his hot hitting going two-for-three on the day with one RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Nick Smith went two-for-three with two RBI for the Lakers. Grand Valley returns to action in a doubleheader against Northwest Missouri State Wednesday (Mar. 9) at 2:00 pm CT.
Grand Valley jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning thanks in large part to four consecutive Lakers reaching base. Scott Smith led off the inning witha single to right-center and was followed by Scott Allen who singled to right field. Smith and Allen proceeded to steal third and second base and were eventually knocked in by a Nick Smith single to center. Chad Rohacs grounded into a double play to drive in Brandon McFarland from third base to cap off the Lakers scoring in the first. Pittsburg State responded quickly by putting four runs on the board against the Laker starter, Kirk Akers. Akers had to leave the game in the first inning after taking a line drive off his right knee. Akers pitched 2/3 of an inning and only facing seven batters. Michael Mills came in to relieve Akers and went 5 1/3 innings allowing four runs and striking out one.
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The Gorillas added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth with three runs thanks to a T.J. Prentice two-run home run to left field. The Lakers tallied a run in the top of the sixth thanks to a leadoff double by McFarland. Nick Sandy drove McFarland in from third on a fielder's choice. Grand Valley scored once more in the seventh to cut the lead to three. Scott Smith dropped a picture perfect bunt down the third base line and beat the throw to first to start the Lakers rally. Smith eventually scored on a McFarland single with two outs. The Lakers two-out rally did not last much longer as McFarland was cut down at the plate by a throw from the right fielder on a Nick Smith single.
Scott Smith was two-for-four on the day with two singles and two runs scored. McFarland and Nick Smith each had two hits apiece for the Lakers. The Lakers fall to 4-2 on the season and will return to action in Pittsburg, Kan.in a doubleheader against Northwest Missouri State Wednesday (Mar. 9) at 2:00 pm CT.
