by Alan Babbitt

The Hope College baseball team packed a punch early and powered to a 15-6 victory against Elmhurst College (Ill.) on Tuesday in Auburndale, Florida.

The Flying Dutchmen erupted for nine runs over a three-inning stretch early in the non-league game.

Pictured, from left, Spencer Cable and Nolan Gardner

Hope scored twice in the bottom of the second on a Devin Meeuwsen RBi groundout and a Nolan Gardner being sent home after an Elmhurst balk.

In the third, the Flying Dutchmen put together a three-run third that included a run-scoring single from right fielder Robbie Stuursma (East Grand Rapids, Michigan / East Grand Rapids) and a sacrifice fly from catcher Caleb Regan (Grand Rapids, Michigan (Byron Center).

After Elmhurst scored one run in the fourth, Hope responded with four runs in its at-bat for the inning. The Flying Dutchmen followed up an unearned run with a sacrifice fly from designated hitter Spencer Cable (Hudsonville, Michigan / Hudsonville) and bases-loaded walks from both Meeuwsen and Regan.

Gardner and Cable led an 11-hit attack with three hits apiece.

Cable went 3-for-5 with three RBis and two runs scored.

Gardner finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

Stuursma collected a team-high runs scored.

Starting pitcher Mason Belmore (2-0) scattered six hits and three runs over five innings. The freshman from Battle Creek, Michigan (Lakeview) struck out five and walked two.

Hope's next game is Wednesday, March 23, at 10 a.m. against Dartmouth College (N.H.) in Auburndale, Florida.