GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Lawrence Tech could not finish a ninth-inning comeback, falling to Madonna 3-2 at DeWitt Field in Grand Rapids after the Crusaders used a go-ahead run in the sixth and added insurance in the eighth. The Blue Devils grabbed the first lead of the game, but Madonna answered with timely contact and enough pitching to hold on at the end.
Lawrence Tech struck first in the opening inning. Luke Weinberger tripled to right-center, then came home on Brady Lee's RBI ground-out for a 1-0 edge. That early sequence gave the Blue Devils a quick foothold in a game played in light rain showers, but Madonna pulled even in the second.
The game stayed tight through the middle innings as both staffs limited big innings. Madonna finally moved in front in the sixth with a single and later run on a ground-into-double-play, a small-ball run that put the Crusaders ahead 2-1.Â
That margin grew in the eighth. AÂ pinch-hit single and later came around during a sequence that included passed balls. Another run on a fielder's choice was brought home, extending Madonna's lead to 3-1. Lawrence Tech finished with six hits and left eight runners on base, never fully cashing in on several opportunities.
The Blue Devils still made things tense in the ninth. An unearned run crossed on Brayden Bess' ground-out, trimming the deficit to one. Bess finished with two hits and an RBI, while Weinberger scored a run, tripled and drew a walk. Lawrence Tech had the tying run within reach, but Madonna closed the door before the rally could continue.
Madonna's pitching proved decisive. The Blue Devils' early lead and late push were not enough to overcome the Crusaders' nine-hit night and the two-run swing created in the sixth and eighth innings.
They are playing Northwestern Ohio today, May 1 at 4:00 p.m. to continue their tournament journey!
