By Mitch Blankespoor
CALEDONIA, Mich. – Surrendering four runs in the first inning proved to be the Kalamazoo College baseball team's undoing in a 9-3 loss to Calvin College in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) opener for both teams.
The game was the first of a scheduled double-header at Davenport University's Farmers Athletic Complex. The second game was rescheduled to a later date due to time constraints.
In the first inning, Calvin scored four runs on three hits including a two-run triple by Matt Schepel. Both teams scored a run in the second inning making the score 5-1 after two complete innings.
In the third inning, Kalamazoo had runners on second and third base with only one out. Unfortunately for the Hornets, Scott Devine and Carter Chandler both struck out.
Kalamazoo cut into Calvin's lead in the bottom of the fifth inning. Mitchell VanKoevering tripled to left center driving in Mark Zughaib who had singled through the left on the previous at bat. Devine grounded out scoring VanKoevering. After another out, the Hornets loaded the bases. Mario Ferrini ended the Hornet rally with a groundout to third base.
The Hornets could not score in the sixth inning, and K's relief pitching gave way in the top of the seventh. Calvin began the inning earning four straight walks. When the 35-minute half-inning ended, Kalamazoo had used three pitchers and surrendered four runs.
Kalamazoo could not muster any runs in the seventh inning. Adam McDowell took the loss for Kalamazoo giving up five earned runs in 5.2 innings of work. VanKoevering finished the day 4-4 with an RBI.
With the loss, the Hornets dip to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in the MIAA. Kalamazoo returns to action Mar. 21 when the Hornets begin their spring trip.