Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's baseball team experienced mixed results at their doubleheader against Grand Valley State. The first game saw Wayne State secure a victory with a score of 3-0, while they succumbed 19-3 in the second game of the doubleheader.

In the initial game, pitcher Gabe Nazelli produced a remarkable performance, achieving his first career complete game shutout. This effort led to improving his overall record to 5-2. Nazelli successfully suppressed Grand Valley State's offense, allowing only seven hits and one walk, across 78 pitches and confronting 27 batters.

Contributions to Wayne State's victory in the first game came from Bennett Hitzelberger, who scored the opening run via a groundout that allowed Jacoby Dale to make it home. Ty Garza added to the score with a solo home run, and Drew Hill further extended the lead with an RBI double, bringing Hitzelberger home.

This win broke Grand Valley State's eight-game winning run and handed them their second home loss for the season, decreasing their home record to 12-2.

The second game was less favorable for Wayne State. Despite taking an early lead with two runs in the first inning, Grand Valley State rallied back robustly, amassing 19 runs over seven innings.

Wayne State's initial runs originated from a home run by Dale and a single by Hitzelberger. An additional run was scored in the fifth inning, owing to a fielder's choice and a subsequent error.

Braylon Laroo, who started for Wayne State, incurred his first loss of the season. He conceded six runs in one inning, with two runs earned from six hits before handing the pitching duties to Nick Baker, Carson Tehan, and Oscar Pace for the remainder of the game.

The teams will conclude their four-game series on Saturday, with the first pitch slated for 1 p.m.