Baseball team advances in tournament

By Jayden Hewitt
Sports Editor

The LCC baseball team went to Parma, Ohio on Thursday, May 11 and came out victorious against Cuyahoga CC, 9-4 in the first game and 4-1 in the second game.

The occasion was the NJCAA Great Lakes District Baseball Championship Quarterfinal.

Pitching was a major factor in both games, with LCC allowing just five combined runs in both games.
LCC Head Coach Steven Cutter spoke about his team, and specifically his pitching staff.

“Our regional games in Cleveland were outstanding,” Cutter said. “We faced some excellent pitching, and both games were pretty close.

“Our pitching was terrific, and our offensive efficiency was excellent, too. We have been preparing for the post-season since August, so it was nice to (finally) play some games in it.”

Stars pitcher and recent Eastern Michigan commit Lukas Brewer twirled seven innings, getting the win while allowing two earned runs and striking out 10. Recent GVSU commit Elijah Stark added two scoreless innings for LCC.

Pitcher and Ohio State commit Hunter Shaw picked up a win in the second game with an absolute gem, going five innings, allowing no earned runs and striking out 12. Pitchers Braden LaRusso and Gavin Walters each added an inning in relief for the Stars. Walters picked up his first save of the year.

Catcher Noah Bright hit the Stars only home run on the day and also had three RBIs in the doubleheader. Infielders Hunter Lay, Talon Rowe and Chris Hege all had two RBIs for the day. Outfielder Will Bowen also tallied two RBIs.

Cutter talked about being able to use his depth and utilize some players who don’t often play.

“This is sometimes what makes up what we call ‘wow’ moments” Cutter said. “At any point, your name can be called, and if you have prepared mentally during the game or the bus ride, you will see success on the field more often than not.

“When that happens, as it did in the first round of regionals, I can only enjoy those moments with the players and staff. Baseball is a challenging game, and some of our moments this season have already been amazing.”

The Stars will continue tournament play next in Jackson against Grand Rapids CC this Thursday at 3 p.m. Grand Rapids was recently a victim of LCC’s potent offense. LCC outslugged Grand Rapids on May 8, 22-12.

Cutter spoke about coming back to Michigan to play, and playing a familiar foe in the NJCAA Region XII Great Lakes Baseball Tournament.

“Grand Rapids is a very well-coached team, and our staff has a lot of respect for them and their program,” Cutter said. “As the post-season moves forward, our approach will remain the same. We will continue to focus on the process and have fun doing it. The scoreboard will take care of itself.”