Story by Mitch Blankespoor
ADRIAN, Mich. – The Kalamazoo College baseball team split a doubleheader with Adrian in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play Saturday, April 26 falling 3-2 in eight innings in game one and winning 5-4 in game two.
"Our guys showcased a tremendous amount of maturity to bounce back in game two after dropped a very tough first game," Kalamazoo Head Coach Mike Ott said.
In game one, both teams failed to put a run on the scoreboard until the fifth inning. Kalamazoo freshman Ian Kobernick singled through the left side to open the inning. After a groundout advanced Kobernick to second and freshman Brett Garwood drew a walk, junior John Jackoviak singled to right field scoring Kobernick.
Adrian, who came into the day in first place in the MIAA, answered with a bases loaded walk in the home half of the fifth inning. Kalamazoo sophomore Dylan Pierce got out of the jam forcing Ryan Dorow into a fielder's choice.
Kobernick singled once again to begin the seventh inning and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from freshman Todd Bonnivier. Clark singled up the middle advancing Kobernick to third. Using an Adrian error on the same play, Kalamazoo took a 2-1 lead.
The Hornets were unable to hold the lead, however, as Adrian used two walks and two singles to tie the game. After Kalamazoo failed to score in the top of the eighth, the Bulldogs loaded the bases and a sacrifice fly to right field gave Adrian game one.
Pierce surrendered three hits and walked three in a no decision in six innings of work. Kobernick was the lone Hornet to record two hits going 2-3 in the game.
"We gave up too many free passes in game one," said Ott. "You cannot give a good team extra opportunities."
In game two, Kalamazoo struck for three runs in the first inning on four hits. Senior Mark Zughaib, junior Carter Chandler, Kobernick, and Clark all had hits with Kobernick and Clark driving in the runs. The Hornets would take a 4-0 lead in the second when junior Scott Devine drove in Jackoviak.
Adrian would score a run in the third and the fourth to cut K's lead to 4-2. The Bulldogs tied the game in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch and a double by Dan Heatherly.
Kalamazoo scored the winning run in the top of the seventh after a walk, sacrifice bunt, and an error. Sophomore Brent Yelton earned the save retiring Adrian in order in the home half of the inning.
Freshman Ty Rock earned the win in relief not giving up a hit in 1.2 innings pitched. Junior Adam McDowell, the game's starter gave up three earned runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings pitched.
Zughaib went 2-3 in the game while Devin, Kobernick, and Clark drove in K's runs.
"Our offensive approach was very solid in game two," said Ott. "I am proud of the way we took a step forward."
Kalamazoo moves to 14-17 on the season and 12-10 in the MIAA. The Hornets currently sit in fourth place and will play the final two games of the four-game series with Adrian tomorrow (Sunday), April 27 at Woodworth Field.