Baseball team defeats Alma, 15-6

The Olivet College baseball team defeated Alma College, 15-6, this afternoon in the first game of a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) series at Klenk Park in Alma. The teams conclude the series tomorrow afternoon with two seven-inning contests, beginning at 1 p.m.

The Fighting Comets (10-13, 2-2 MIAA) jumped out a 7-0 lead after three innings. The Scots added two runs in the bottom of the third, but Olivet matched them with two runs in the fifth. Alma added three in its half of the fifth. The Comets outscored Alma, 6-1 in the final four innings to seal the victory.

Junior Ben Thomas (Kalamazoo/Comstock Park High School), who was batting fourth in the lineup, was four-for-five with a double, triple, two runs scored and three RBIs. Senior Beau Locker (Coldwater/Union City High School) was credited with three doubles and three runs scored. Brian Grappin (Flushing High School), Chris Shelhart (Rolling Meadows, Ill./St. Viator) and Ricky Strain (Livonia Churchill High School) collected two hits apiece. Shelhart also drove in three runs.

Senior D.J. Celetti (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario/Notre Dame) pitched six solid innings on the mound and picked-up the victory. He allowed six hits and five earned runs and struck out five. In relief, freshman Brad Dragicevich (Kalamazoo Central High School) tossed two innings. Junior Dustin Bolt (St. Joseph High School) pitched the ninth inning.

Following tomorrow's games, Olivet will travel for a non-league single game at Aquinas College on Monday, April 12, at 4 p.m.