GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Lawrence Tech erased an early two-run deficit with a decisive four-run fourth inning and held off a late push to beat Indiana Tech 6-5 on Thursday at DeWitt Field in Grand Rapids.
Indiana Tech grabbed a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Derek Ruiz doubled to left to drive in Jorge Santana, and another run scored on a wild pitch. The Blue Devils answered in the fourth, starting with Justin Baird's two-run homer to right that pulled Lawrence Tech even. Later in the inning, Drew Schornak delivered a two-RBI single as Lawrence Tech moved in front 4-2.
The Blue Devils added what proved to be crucial insurance in the fifth. Baird singled to right for another RBI, then Ty Schornak followed with a run-scoring single to stretch the lead to 6-2. Baird finished with three hits, three RBIs, a home run and a walk, while Drew Schornak added two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs.
Lawrence Tech managed just seven hits, but made them count and added pressure on the bases with three stolen bases. The Blue Devils also drew four walks and were hit by four pitches. Indiana Tech was limited to four hits, though the home side stayed within striking distance by drawing nine walks.
Ethan Hochendoner gave Lawrence Tech six innings on the mound and picked up the win. He allowed three hits, four runs, three earned, struck out six and worked through six walks on a 130-pitch outing. Indiana Tech scored twice in the fifth to cut the margin to 6-4.
The final threat came in the eighth, on a passed ball to make it a one-run game. Lawrence Tech closed it out from there, with Nick McCormick recording the final 1 1/3 scoreless innings to finish the win.Â
They will play again tomorrow Friday, May 1 in Grand Rapids at Meijer Sports Complex against the winner of game three played between Siena Heights and Madonna.
