Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 Rockford, Mich.– It would have been easy for Coach Chris LaMange's squad to phone it in, with minimal time since returning home from the Florida Spring Break Trip. While they won the last two, Florida was exhausting and challenging, and right away, they started the WHAC conference grind. However, the Saints rode the momentum from Florida for a dominant doubleheader sweep of Siena Heights.
Game 1: Aquinas 29, Siena Heights 4
Aquinas wasted no time setting the tone offensively, exploding for 29 runs to establish a new school record for runs in a single game. After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first, the Saints answered in a big way, scoring two in the third and nine in the fourth to seize control. The offensive onslaught continued, as the Saints tacked on six in the fifth and an astonishing 12 in the sixth to put the game well out of reach.
The entire lineup contributed in the record-breaking performance, with multiple Saints delivering standout efforts. Ramsey Bousseau led the charge with a home run, a triple, and four RBIs, while Jon Popp crushed a grand slam and finished with six runs driven in. Grant Martin and Eric Bryce each added home runs as well, as the Saints compiled 21 hits and drew 10 walks to fuel the offensive explosion.
On the mound, Cameron Gross turned in a solid start, allowing just two earned runs over four innings while striking out four. The bullpen backed him up effectively, with Blake Waibel, Mark Kalahar, and Hunter Doyle each tossing scoreless frames to secure the dominant win.
Inside the Numbers:
- The 29-run output set a new school record for most runs in a single game.
- Jon Popp led all hitters with six RBIs, including a grand slam in the sixth inning.
- Aquinas totaled 21 hits, including four home runs and three triples.
- The Saints drew 10 walks while striking out just 10 times.
- The pitching staff allowed just four runs despite Siena Heights collecting seven hits.
Game 2: Aquinas 10, Siena Heights 1
The Saints carried their offensive momentum into Game 2, jumping ahead early and never looking back in a convincing 10-1 victory. After plating a run in the second, Aquinas broke through with a four-run third inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Grant Martin. A three-run seventh sealed the deal, giving the Saints a comfortable win to complete the sweep.
On the mound, Ethan Bowen delivered a strong start, tossing five innings while allowing just one run on five hits. The bullpen once again shined, as Travis Weide, Hudson Lubbers, and Kaleb Mitchelson combined for four shutout innings to close out the game.
The offense remained red-hot, piling up 19 hits. Luke LaCross had a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, while Chase Robinson and Grant Martin each contributed multi-hit games. The Saints also displayed their aggressive baserunning, swiping three bags to keep the pressure on the Siena Heights defense.
Inside the Numbers:
- Luke LaCross homered as part of a 2-for-4 game with two RBIs.
- The Saints pounded out 19 hits while limiting Siena Heights to just one run.
- Ethan Bowen earned the win, striking out three over five strong innings.
- Aquinas stole three bases, adding to their aggressive offensive approach.
Coach's Comments: Head Coach Chris LaMange had plenty of positives to take away from the home-opening sweep:
"It was a great day for the Saints as we celebrated our home opener on the new turf at Meijer Sports Complex. The offense was tremendous—29 runs in the first game is a new school record, but I'm really proud of how our pitching staff threw in tough conditions that were very hitter-friendly. To only give up five runs in a doubleheader was outstanding."
Up Next: Winners of four in a row, the Saints will return to Meijer Sports Complex on Tuesday for a doubleheader against Grace Christian. First pitch for Game 1 is set for 4:00 PM, with Game 2 slated for approximately 6:00 PM.