Baseball team sweeps Hope, 2-1 and 1-0, in MIAA-opener

HOLLAND, Mich. – Behind strong pitching performances by sophomore Jay Magro (Bridgman) and junior Sean Alexander (Fenton), the Olivet College baseball team opened Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play by sweeping a doubleheader at Hope College, 2-1 and 1-0, today at Boeve Stadium in Holland.

In the first game, the Comets scored a run in the first inning. Sophomore Randy Young (Wixom/Walled Lake Western) scored all the way from first base on a double to the right-center gap by senior Beau Felix (Hartland). Hope tied the game with a run in the fifth inning.

Olivet pushed across what proved to be the winning run in the seventh inning. Senior Braydon LaFramboise (Flushing/Mt. Morris) reached base on a fielder's choice. Senior Ben Kosmalski (Canton/ Plymouth) advanced him to second with a single. Young then hit a single into right field to score LaFramboise.

Offensively, the Comets had just six hits with the only extra base hit being Felix's double. On the mound, Magro went the first six innings to earn the victory. He allowed the one run on four hits, while striking out three and walking two. LaFramboise pitched the seventh for the save.

In the second game, Olivet scored the only run it would need in the third inning. With one out, LaFramboise reached first base on an error by the Hope third baseman. Kosmalski then hit a single, and LaFramboise hustled to third base on the hit. Young hit into a fielder's choice, as Kosmalski was out at second but LaFramboise scored.

Alexander threw the complete game on the mound, allowing only four hits and no runners past second base. He struck out eight, including six called third strikes, and did not walk a batter.  The Comets also had four hits, with Kosmalski having two.

Olivet and Hope will complete the four-game MIAA series on Monday afternoon. The teams will play a doubleheader on the Comets' home field, beginning at 2 p.m.