April 20, 2005

Box Score

Midland, Mich. - Grand Valley split with the host Timberwolves, 6-0 and 3-2 Wednesday, April 19.  Jeff Sinicki picked up the win in game one throwing a complete game shutout, improving to 6-0 on the season.  Brandon McFarland paced the offense going 3-4 with two runs scored and a two run home run.  The Lakers were unable to hold onto a 2-1 lead in game two, falling 3-2 on two Northwood runs in the sixth inning.  Grand Valley returns to action Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 when they travel to Dayton, Ohio to take on Wright State.  The Lakers next home contest is a four-game series against GLIAC leader Wayne State, April 30 and May 1.

The Lakers took advantage of five Northwood errors, including two in the first inning, to take game one 6-0.  2B Scott Smith started the scoring by leading off the game with a single to the shortstop on scoring on a ball hit by Scott Allen that was misplayed by the Timberwolve 2B.  Brandon McFarland scored later in the inning on a ball hit by Nick Sandy that was misplayed by the RF.  Grand Valley added another run in the third when Sandy once again hit a ball that was misplayed, allowing Nick Smith to score from second after getting on with a bunt single.  Scott Smith scored on another Northwood error in the fourth to give the Lakers a 4-0 lead.  Brandon McFarland added to the lead in the sixth when he hit his third home run of the season, a two run shot to left field.  Starter Jeff Sinicki did not need much run support as he threw a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and racking up five K's.  The Timberwolves did not advance a runner past second base until the sixth inning and sent no more than four batters to plate each inning.  Nick Smith was 2-4 on the day with a run scored, Scott Smith added two runs scored for the Lakers.

Grand Valley took an early 2-0 lead in game two, thanks to a McFarland RBI double to right field and a sacrifice fly by Sandy.  Scott Allen began the scoring with a single and scored on the McFarland double.  Nick Smith followed with a walk and advanced to second on a double steal.  Sandy followed with his sacrifice fly to drive in McFarland from third.  The Lakers were unable to score the rest of the game as Northwood starter Joe Ashdown stalled rallies in the third, fifth, and seventh innings.  Marty Jackimowicz started the game going 5 1/3 innings allowing two runs on just two hits, before being pulled in the sixth inning.  Grant Payton allowed three straight singles in the bottom of the sixth to suffer the loss and fall to 5-2 on the season.  Scott Allen paced the Laker offense going 3-4 with one run scored and eclipsing another Grand Valley career record, Allen has 287 total bases, passing Jon Visser (1996-98).  McFarland finished the day 4-6 with three runs scored, three RBI, and two stolen bases.

The Lakers travel to Dayton, Ohio Saturday, April 23 to take on Wright State in a non-conference weekend series.  Game one starts at noon.  The Lakers return to GLIAC action Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1 when they host GLIAC leader Wayne State.  Grand Valley is now 21-11 overall and 12-6 in GLIAC action.