by Odille Parker

A decisive six-run fourth inning changed the momentum for the Hope College baseball team after a rain delay Thursday afternoon, propelling the Flying Dutchmen to a 8-4 win over Trine University.

It was Hope's ninth win in a row.

The second game of the day was postponed due to weather conditions and will be made up on Saturday, May 7 at 4 p.m. The two teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 7 at Boeve Stadium. 

Trine scored the first two runs in the bottom of the first and second innings, but Hope answered with an eight-run stretch that gave them the lead for the remainder of the game.

Evan Maday walked to start off the top of the fourth, stealing second in the next at-bat. The senior of Grand Rapids (East Kentwood HS) scored on an RBI from Joey Merucci (Northville Township/Catholic Central HS) that resulted from a fielding error at third base.

Senior Nolan Gardner (Grand Rapids/East Grand Rapids HS) doubled to right-center, bringing Merucci and Brant Kym (Libertyville, Illinois/Libertyville HS) home. Gardner scored off of a single RBI from senior Evan Becker (Rochester/Stoney Creek HS).

Becker advanced and scored on a throwing error by the shortstop with junior Kainan Bayn (Zeeland/Zeeland East) at-bat, bringing the score 6-2.

The Flying Dutchmen scored again on an RBI double by Bayn, pictured right, that brought Spencer Cable (Hudsonville/Hudsonville HS) home at the top of the seventh inning. Robbie Stuursma pinch ran for Bayn, and the freshman of Grand Rapids (East Grand Rapids) scored on a sacrifice fly by Maday. 

Senior pitcher Kameron Miller (Coldwater/Coldwater HS) recorded the win for Hope. He struck out five and allowed five hits and two walks.

The win also marks the 599th career win for head coach Stu Fritz. Hope's overall record improved to 20-13, and 12-8 in MIAA play.