Baseball team splits one-run, extra inning games at Trine

ANGOLA, Ind. – The Olivet College baseball team split a pair of eight inning, one-run decisions against Trine (Ind.) University this afternoon at Jannen Field in Angola, Ind. The Comets won the first game 3-2 before losing the second game 6-5.

In the opener, Olivet took a 1-0 lead with a run in the fourth on a two-out RBI-single by junior Austin Clark (Ossineke/Alpena). The Comets added another run in the top half of the sixth on another two-out hit, this one by junior Tyler Olinske (Negaunee).

The Thunder sent the game to extra innings with an unearned run in the sixth and another run in the seventh. Olivet plated the winning run in its half of the eighth. Senior Beau Felix (Hartland) doubled to centerfield. After a pitching change and an out were recorded, sophomore Justin Pitt (Imlay City) lined a 0-2 pitch into centerfield to score Felix.

The Comets recorded 11 hits, including two each for Clark and freshman Joel Peters (Auburn Hills/Avondale). Sophomore Jay Magro (Bridgman) started on the mound and went six innings, but did not factor in the decision. He allowed an unearned run on three hits. Senior Braydon LaFramboise (Flushing/Mt. Morris) was credited with the win, as he gave up one run on two hits in two innings.

The nightcap saw Olivet take a 1-0 lead in the first inning. After the Thunder tied the game with a run in the bottom half of the second, the Comets regained the lead with a pair of runs in the third. Clark hit a two-run home run to stretch Olivet's lead to 5-1 for the team's first homer of the season.

Trine battled back to make the score 5-3 with two runs in the fourth and force extra innings for the second straight game with two more runs in the seventh. In the bottom half of the eighth, the Thunder scored the winning run on a single and double to centerfield.

For the game, Olivet posted nine hits, including a 3-for-4 performance by LaFramboise. He had two singles, one double, one stolen base and two runs scored. Pitt and freshman Chase Carter (Bradenton, Fla./Bradenton Catholic) had two hits apiece, while Clark and sophomore Randy Young (Wixom/Walled Lake Western) collected two RBI each.

On the mound, junior Sean Alexander (Fenton) threw the first six innings, yielding three runs on eight hits and striking out five. Pitt tossed the seventh inning, giving up the two runs on two hits. LaFramboise was charged with the loss, as he allowed the two hits and runs in the eighth.

The teams will conclude their seasons with a doubleheader in Olivet Sunday afternoon, starting at 1 p.m.