Baseball team sweeps East Jordan 2-0, 8-4

The Grayling High School varsity baseball squad improved its Lake Michigan Conference record to 3-1 with a series sweep of the East Jordan Red Devils on Monday night. The Vikings hosted the doubleheader.

Grayling defeated East Jordan 2-0 in the first game of the series.

Justin Nicholas pitched all six innings for the Vikings in game one. He had eight strikeouts, one walk, and he scattered four hits.

“Defense played well behind him in a tough game,” Coach Bret Krabill said. “We managed four hits as well. Nicholas had one, driving in a run. (Jacob) Macfalda added a double and scored. Trey Moffit and Chris Hunter added hits.”

“It was a well played game by both teams. We made fewer mistakes and a timely hit is the difference in the game. Their pitcher won eight games last year, so it was nice to get the win,” Coach Krabill said. 

Grayling won 8-4 in the second game of the evening.

In game two, Macfalda – pitching in relief – picked up the win. 

“He came in a tough spot with runners on and kept it a one-run game. He pitched the final four innings. He was able to mix off speed well and keep hitters off balance,” Coach Krabill said.  

“We were patient at the plate, drawing eight walks and three more being hit by pitch. Jaden Gauthier scored three runs. Nicholas added two more hits and two RBI. Chris Hunter added two hits and Moffit drove in a run. We were also able to get some steals and played great defense. We jumped out to an early lead, but after two home runs by them, we lost momentum; however, we battled back and won,” Coach Krabill said. 

The Vikings posted a series split vs. the Manton Rangers on Friday at Manton.

In game one, Grayling won 10-4.

“Nicholas picked up the win, going the distance. He gave up four runs, three earned. Walked one and struck out six. He scattered seven hits. He helped his cause going 3 for 4 with two singles and a home run. Cam Summers added three hits and two RBI. Louis Cotton added a double and three RBI. Moffit had two hits as did Christian Artress. Jaden added three. Justin Youngblood, Jacob, and newcomer Koedy Dole added a hit as well,” Coach Krabill said. 

“We had 17 hits today, which was nice. We should have scored more but we were a little too anxious when we saw runners in scoring position. Justin pitched well and as usual the defense was solid. The middle of their lineup was the best we’ve seen this year,” Coach Krabill said. 

In game two, Manton won 6-4.

“First two innings went well, but the third was a big inning for them. They sent 10 batters to the plate. We couldn’t seem to get an out. They had some hard hits and some soft ones. Those are the ones that can frustrate a defense. We battled back and scored four runs in the fifth, but it was too little, too late. We didn’t make an adjustment to their pitcher until late, and that was the difference,” Coach Krabill said. 

“Nicholas had two more hits and an RBI. Summers added an RBI single. Artress and Macfalda had hits. Brandon Davison drove in a run. We would have loved to take two out of here, but we didn’t do what we had to. Two pretty evenly matched teams. If we see them again, it will be in the district final. Hopefully we do,” Coach Krabill said. 

The Vikings (6-4 overall, 3-1 league) will play at Elk Rapids on Thursday, May 4.