Tigers Sweep Maranatha, Balkema Fires No-Hitter

Wyoming, MI – The Grace Tigers hosted Maranatha Baptist University this weekend for a pair of double headers. Grace improved to 6-12 overall after their sweep over the Sabercats, scoring 44 runs over the weekend while holding Maranatha to just 2.

Game One

The Tigers would give up their one and only run of the game in the first inning. However, they were able to fire right back at Maranatha, earning 3 runs in the bottom of the first. Bats were hot for the Tigers as they continued into the second inning, this time scoring 5 runs. A double by Lexie Alexander would drive both Renee Viles Gable and Emma Balkema home. Grace tallied 3 more runs in the third and fourth innings. The final score was 7-1. Along with Alexander, Tammy Perrotta hit a double, while Carlee DeVries, Kiersten Palmbos, Emily Simmons, and Balkema each recorded 2 hits. On the mound, Perrotta threw 5 solid innings, striking out 7.

Game Two

Most of Game Two’s action would take place in the first inning, as Grace scored their first 5 runs. Viles Gable would score the first run on a single by DeVries. Alexander would score on an error by the Sabercats, DeVries scored on a hit by Palmbos, and Perrotta scored on a hit by Lowe. Maranatha would score their first and only run of the game in the second inning on a walk and stolen bases. Innings 3 and 4 would remain scoreless for both teams. A double by Palmbos in the fifth inning would drive Perrotta home. One more run was scored in the sixth inning for Grace, with a final score of 7-1. Lowe recorded 3 hits and 1 RBI, while Palmbos and DeVries each tallied 2 RBIs. Balkema pitched a successful 7 innings, as she struck out 16 and only gave up one hit.

Game Three

Game Three would prove to be the highest scoring game of the weekend for the Tigers, also refusing to give up any runs. Grace got off to a hot start in the first inning, scoring 3 runs. However, it wasn’t until the third inning that they would really heat up, scoring 9 total runs. A double by Viles Gable would drive Kenzie Brothers and Palmbos home. Emma Balkema recorded her first home run of the season in the fourth inning, also the first home run in program history. The Tigers ended their their third game with an 18-0 win. Viles Gable, Perrotta, and Brothers each had a double. Viles Gable stole 4 bases and recorded 4 RBIs and 4 runs, while DeVries, Balkema, and Lowe stole 3 bases each. Perrotta pitched another strong 5 innings as she struck out 7.

Game Four

Emma Balkema again etched her name into the history books, as she fired the first no-hitter in program history, with a total of 14 strikeouts in 5 innings. Along with her outstanding performance on the mound, she also recorded 3 hits, 2 RBIS, and 2 runs. Palmbos and Lowe each recorded 2 hits, each including a double. Grace defeated Maranatha 8-0, concluding their 4-0 weekend sweep.

Grace Softball is on the road this week, starting off with a double header on Tuesday against Siena Heights University at 3:30pm and 5:30pm. On Thursday they will face Grand Rapids Community College for a double header at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids.