State Semifinals Roundup

Bailey Park was bustling today.  With friends, family, college and pro scouts all in attendance to watch the state semi-finals, Saturday provided some fun and exciting games.  From Bay City John Glenn's extra innings walk-off to Hudsonville defending a squeeze to perfection to Grand Rapids Christian's shutout, the action was constant.  Here is a quick recap with some highlights below.

Division 1

Warren DeLaSalle vs. Howell Winner- Warren DeLaSalle 3-2

Warrent DeLaSalle picked one heck of a time to get hot.  If they were to win tomorrow, DeLaSalle has a chance to be the first team (to our knowledge) to wins states and have a sub .500 record.  Sophomore Nick DiPuma popped a homerun over the left field wall and senior Kevin Carroll provided the pitching.  Carroll threw a complete game striking out six and walking none.  Meanwhile Howell senior Josh Vyletel also threw a complete game after throwing a complete game in the quarterfinals against Brighton.

Hudsonville vs. Saline Winner- Hudsonville 4-3

This was the marquis game of the day as many college recruiters flocked to see Hudsonville vs Saline. The game did not disappoint.  Saline threw senior Justin Goike while Hudsonville countered with Blake Hibbetts.  The game was full of drama with some bang bang plays and an attempted squeeze that Hudsonville defended well.  Western Michigan commit, Hunter Prince, put Hudsonville ahead for good by doubling down the line putting them up 4-3.  Sophomore Logan Magsig came in relief from shortstop to close out the game for Hudsonville and securing their trip to the finals.

Division 2

St. Joseph vs. Bay City John Glenn: Winner- Bay City John Glenn 6-5

Junior pitcher Zach Olszewski was the hero for John Glenn on Saturday.  St. Joseph jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, but John Glenn responded by scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth.  St. Joseph added one run in the top of the seventh on a controversial balk call on Olszewski, but John Glenn answered with a run to tie it up in the bottom of the inning.  It only took one extra inning for John Glenn, as Olszewski lined a base hit to right field that scored the game winning run.   

Dearborn Divine Child vs. Grand Rapids Christian: Winner- Grand Rapids Christian 4-0

Grand Rapids Christian faced a perennial power in Dearborn Divine Child today.  With titles in 4 of the past 8 seasons Divine Child is no stranger to Bailey Park.  However, Grand Rapids Christian has emerged as a power themselves going for two state titles in a row.  Grand Rapids Christian would come out on top of this one with 4-0 final. GRCHS' Alex VandeVusse was aided by solid defense all day while the offense used an effective six hits to score four runs. Western commit Kurt Hoekstra came on to shut the door recording the last four outs of the day.

Division 3

Saginaw Nouvel vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley: Winner- Madison Heights Bishop Foley 6-2

Bishop Foley didn't look back after scoring five runs in the second inning.  Foley sophomore pitcher Garrett Schilling looked polished on the mound, and he added a crucial two-out hit in the second inning that scored two runs.  Nouvel senior Josh Buchalski was a bright spot for the Panthers, only allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings of relief.  Foley is the defending Division 3 champion, and after today's performance they look to be the favorite to repeat in their championship effort against Lansing Catholic.  

Mancelona vs. Lansing Catholic Winner- Mancelona 8-1

It just wasn't Mancelona's day. Lansing Catholic on the other hand had it going.  With some big hits and and a strong pitching performance from Mike DeClarke Lansing Catholic cruised to a 8-1 victory.  Declarke and junior Eric Plaehn paced the Lansing Catholic Cougars with three and two hits respectively.  The Cougars will face a tough Bishop Foley team in the finals tomorrow. 

Division 4

GPW University Liggett vs. Rudyard Winner- GPW Liggett 15-3

Junior righthander Connor Fannon may have missed most of the season due to a non-baseball related medical issue but he sure did find a big way to make an impact.  Fannon threw well for Liggett only allowing three runs on the day and striking out nine Rudyard hitters.  Liggett offensively took advantage of defensive miscues by Rudyard and eventually finished the day with fifteen runs.

Muskegon Catholic Central vs. Decatur: Winner- Decatur 3-2

Decatur improved to 35-6 after today's close win over Muskegon Catholic Central.  Catholic Central was actually leading 2-1 going into the seventh inning, but Decatur scored two runs in the top of the seventh and that was enough to win the game.  They advance to face defending Division 4 state champion GPW University Liggett on Saturday.