The Fruitport baseball team was bound to lose a game sooner or later, and it finally happened on Tuesday, but only after the Trojans recorded another win first.
The Trojans split a doubleheader against NorthPointe Christian in O-K Silver conference action, winning the first game 6-0, then dropping the second 3-1.
Fruitport is now 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference standings.
In Game 1, the Trojans jumped out to an early lead with a two-run home run in the first inning by Trevor Rusnak, then added single runs in the third on an RBI single from Rusnak and in the fourth on a single by Hudson Hazekamp.
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Fruitport extended the lead in the seventh inning, scoring two more runs on a Garrett Olson double followed by a Kolten Kennedy RBI single.
Hazekamp was dominant on the mound, throwing a complete game while allowing just one hit, no walks, and striking out 11. Rusnak led the offense with three hits and three RBIs. Olson, Kennedy, and Satchel Norwood each added two hits.
In Game 2, Fruitport struggled to come up with timely hits despite creating opportunities.
NorthPointe took the lead in the top of the third inning with two unearned runs and added another in the fourth.
Fruitport’s lone run came in the bottom of the fourth on a solo home run by Hazekamp.
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Olson and Dexter Lillmars each recorded two hits in Game 2. Lillmars pitched a complete game, striking out seven, walking one (intentional), and allowing six hits with no earned runs.
Brad Dekker contributed two hits across the doubleheader in a pinch-hitting role.
“We had opportunities to score in the second game but just didn’t get the big hit,” said Fruitport head coach Nick Reed. “Credit to their pitcher for making pitches when he needed it.
“We came out in Game 1 and just worked at bats and got a big blast from Trevor to set the tone in that game. The team is starting to gel and no doubt we will grow from this.”
The Trojans will visit Ludington for a non-conference doubleheader on Thursday.
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