Tigers Sweep Maranatha, Balkema Fires No-Hitter

Search icon

Tigers Sweep Maranatha, Balkema Fires No-Hitter

Softball
Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 | Box Score 3 | Box Score 4 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. 

 

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Emma Balkema

#12 Emma Balkema

P
5′ 9″
Freshman
Kenzie Brothers

#6 Kenzie Brothers

CF
5′ 4″
Sophomore
Lexie Alexander

#11 Lexie Alexander

P
5′ 7″
Sophomore
Tammy Perrotta

#4 Tammy Perrotta

P
5′ 3″
Freshman
Emily Simmons

#10 Emily Simmons

LF
5′ 2″
Freshman
Renee Viles Gable

#42 Renee Viles Gable

C
5′ 1″
Freshman
Carlee DeVries

#77 Carlee DeVries

C
5′ 8″
Freshman
Kiersten Palmbos

#15 Kiersten Palmbos

5′ 9″
Senior

Players Mentioned

Emma Balkema

#12 Emma Balkema

5′ 9″
Freshman
P
Kenzie Brothers

#6 Kenzie Brothers

5′ 4″
Sophomore
CF
Lexie Alexander

#11 Lexie Alexander

5′ 7″
Sophomore
P
Tammy Perrotta

#4 Tammy Perrotta

5′ 3″
Freshman
P
Emily Simmons

#10 Emily Simmons

5′ 2″
Freshman
LF
Renee Viles Gable

#42 Renee Viles Gable

5′ 1″
Freshman
C
Carlee DeVries

#77 Carlee DeVries

5′ 8″
Freshman
C
Kiersten Palmbos

#15 Kiersten Palmbos

5′ 9″
Senior

You May Also Like…

Ace Your Finals: 9 Exam Study Tips For Students

Ace Your Finals: 9 Exam Study Tips For Students

Studying for exams can often feel like navigating a dense forest. But don’t worry,  Grace students! With the right strategies and determination, you can conquer finals. Here are 9 exam study tips to help you excel:   1. Plan Ahead: Master this art by...

Esports Coming Fall 2024 To Grace Christian University

Esports Coming Fall 2024 To Grace Christian University

Exciting news in athletics at Grace Christian University! We will officially launch our Esports team in the Fall of 2024. Student-athletes will represent Grace Christian University in competitive Rocket League and League of Legends tournaments. Additionally, we have...

We won’t compromise the Bible at Grace Christian University

We won’t compromise the Bible at Grace Christian University

At Grace Christian University, the Bible serves as the foundation for everything we do. Our commitment to God’s Word defines us and sets us apart from many institutions drifting from biblical truth. While some colleges may compromise core doctrines or yield to...