BABSON PARK, FLORIDA – Grand View's second day at the RussMatt Invitational featured a doubleheader against No. 8 ranked Webber International University. A couple of hard-fought games but GV couldn't gain the edge in either matchup.  

THURSDAY 

GAME 1 

The Vikings struggled to earn runs in the first three innings, despite patience at the plate. They left two on base in the first and Bryce Stalder stranded after a double in the second. Grand View broke the seal in the fourth which included a two-run double to left by Schwirtz. Three runs total in the inning gave GV a lead, 3-2. Fast forward to the bottom of the fifth, and the Vikings in a tough spot. Jacob Wolver came in to relieve Noah Kueter, but with the bases loaded. Two outs but one to go and Webber bats got hot with three hits in a row, and bringing in five runs in the process. GVU couldn't find any runs to end the game, leaving a runner on in the top of the next two innings. Vikings drop game one 7-3. 

GAME 2 

The second half of this double header was a similar story. The Vikings couldn't get much going from the plate early and allowed minimal pitches for the Webber starter. On the fielding side of things, Grand View looked great but allowed another big inning which came in the third. The Vikings let up four runs on four hits and a pitching change late in the inning. Devin Doyle and Josh Stoll proved to be excellent relief to keep the Vikings in the game. The bats for Grand View never had a spark, despite some hope in the fifth. The Vikings walked in a run on account of Carson Wadel, but an Evan Borst ground out ended the inning, leaving three runners stranded. GVU held to just three hits in the ball game and a 7-1 loss to a great WIU. 

UP NEXT 

Grand View will have Friday off before playing Saturday, March 1st, at 8 AM & 10:30 AM. This will be in Davenport, Florida against Calumet College of St. Joseph.