Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Offensive woes continue with loss to Byron Center, 8-3   The Eagles got things moving in the first inning, when Parker DeHoek walked then advanced to third on errant pickoff throw from the pitcher. Byron Center loaded the bases with back to back hit by pitches. DeHoek and DeYoung both scored putting the Eagles up 2-0.   Byron Center pulled away for good with 3 runs in the third inning.  In the third Eli Farrow singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run and Deyvi Gomez doubled on a 0-2 count, scoring two runs.   It was a close game 4-2 until Byron Center scored four runs in the seventh inning to distance themselves. The Eagles had their chance in the 6th with bases loaded with 1 outs, but couldn’t drive in any runs.   DeHoek went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Grand Rapids Christian in hits.   Ben DeYoung toed the rubber for the Eagles. The righthander lasted 4 innings, allowing 7 hits and 3 runs while striking out 6 and walking 1.  Parker DeHoek threw 3 innings in relief out of the bullpen. Byron Center saw the ball well today, racking up 11 hits in the game. 

Grand Rapids Christian Struggles to Find Groove Against Byron Center   The Eagles struggled to get their offense going on Monday, getting easily dispatched by Byron Center, 10-0.   One bright spot for Grand Rapids Christian was a single by Parker DeHoek in the first inning. He led the team with 2 of the teams 3 total hits.   Will Doezema toed the rubber for the Eagles. The pitcher surrendered 7 runs on 5 hits over two innings, striking out 2.  DeHoek and Jake Mersman entered the game from the bullpen, throwing 2 innings and two-thirds of an inning respectively.

Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Can't Catch Up To Byron Center   Grand Rapids Christian Eagles watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 13-4 loss to Byron Center on Monday. Byron Center scored on a single in the first inning, and an error in the first inning,   The Eagles struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing Byron Center, giving up 13 runs.   Byron Center took the lead for good with 2 runs in the second inning and five runs in the sixth inning.    John Bakker started the game for Grand Rapids Christian Eagles. Bakker allowed 5 hits and 6 runs over 3 innings, striking out 3. Jake Koetje threw 3 innings out of the bullpen.   Tyler Stinton led the Eagles with two hits in three at bats and drove in 2 RBIs.

Grand Rapids Christian Eagles take a Tough Blow from Forest Hills Central   Grand Rapids Christian couldn't keep up with Forest Hills Central and fell 11-2 on Monday.   The Eagles got things started in the first inning when Will Bush scored one run when Will Doezema singled.   In the bottom of the first inning, Forest Hills Central tied things up at one on a fielding error.   The Rangers pulled away for good with one run in the fourth inning.  In the fourth an error scored one run for Forest Hills Central.   Will Doezema got the start on the mound. Doezema allowed 3 hits and 5 runs over four and a third innings, striking out 6 and walking 1. Parker DeHoek and Jake Mersman entered the game as relief, throwing one inning and two-thirds of an inning respectively.   The Eagles only totaled 5 hits in the game. Jake Koetje went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Eagles in hits. Koetje, DeHoek, Doezema and DeYoung were the only Eagles with hits.

Forest Hills Central Rangers Capture Lead Early to Defeat Grand Rapids Christian   The Eagles fell behind early and couldn't come back in a 15-0 loss to Forest Hills Central on Monday.    The Eagles struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Forest Hills Central, giving up 15 runs.   A single by Will Doezema in the first inning was only positive for Grand Rapids Christian at the plate.   John Bakker led things off on the hill for Grand Rapids Christian. The pitcher allowed 3 hits and 6 runs over 2 innings, striking out 3.  Jake Koetje and Tyler Stinton entered the game as relief, throwing one inning and two-thirds of an inning respectively. The Eagles in total gave up 13 hits to Forest Hills Central.   Doezema went 1-for-2 at the plate to lead Grand Rapids Christian in hits. 

Will Doezema dominates and powers Grand Rapids Christian past Lowell Red Arrows 5-3   Doezema started on the mound and pitched a complete game for the victory. Will continuously pitched out of jams. The pitcher allowed only 2 hits and 3 runs over seven innings, striking out 6 and walking zero. When the Eagles went ahead in the bottom of the 6th, Will slammed the door shut to get the victory.   Lowell got things moving in the first inning, when Will Doezema's wild pitch allowed one run to score for Lowell.   The Eagles tied the game up at 1 in the 3rd with a Will Bush double. Jake Koetje sacrifice bunted him to third then was driven in on a sacrifice fly by Ben DeYoung.   Lowell quickly took the lead back on a 2 out single to center driving in runs 2 and 3.   Grand Rapids Christian ran off with the lead late in the game. John Bakker led off the 6th with a triple. Jacob Rodenhouse singled to score him. Mark VanHekken bunted a single to advance Rodenhouse to 3rd. Newly called up Luke Olney answered with a second bunt for a single to load the bases. Will Bush was then hit by a pitch to score the tying run at 3.   The game was tied at 3 with the Eagles batting in the bottom of the sixth when Jake Koetje drove in the go ahead run on a Fielders choice. Ben DeYoung then walked with bases loaded to drive in the insurance run.   Offensively, the Eagles played a lot of small ball, bunting the ball 6 times and continuously moving runners into scoring position. They stole 4 bases with nobody getting thrown out.   Brayden Melinn continued to stay red hot at the plate and went 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the Eagles in hits. He also made 2 great, graceful catches in the outfield.

Bats Blistered as Grand Rapids Christian falls to Lowell in High-Scoring Game   Lowell bested Grand Rapids Christian in a high-scoring affair, 14-6 Monday night.   The Eagles struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively in cold, wet weather containing Lowell, giving up 14 runs.   In the second inning, Lowell got their offense started when Owen Dennings singled on a 2-2 count, scoring one run.   The Eagles took the lead in the 3rd, 2-1 starting with a walk by Mark VenHekken, then back to back bunts by Will Bush and Parker DeHoek. Will Doezema then drove in VanHekken on a fielders choice.   Lowell took the lead for good with five runs in the fourth inning.    The Eagles put up 4 runs in the fifth inning. The big bats in the inning were led by singles by Parker DeHoek, Will Doezema, and Ben DeYoung and a sac fly by John Bakker. The Eagles had a good day at the plate. They racked up 9 hits on the day. Will Bush, Parker DeHoek, and Will Doezema all collected multiple hits. DeHoek led with three hits in three at bats.   DeYoung was on the mound to start for Grand Rapids Christian. The righthander went 2 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and striking out 4.   The Eagles rolled out all their relievers to get thru the game starting with Jake Koetje, Parker DeHoek, Tyler Stinton, and finally Jake “Mer Money” Mersman each entered the game as relief, throwing two innings, two-thirds of an inning, two-thirds of an inning, and two-thirds of an inning respectively. Mersman made his 2023 pitching debut and picked himself up making the play on a line drive comebacker to the pitcher.

John Bakker pitches complete game vs Lowell, but close contest ends in tie   John Bakker followed up last years no hit performance vs. Lowell with a complete game Monday night. The right hander pitched 6 innings, struck out 2, but gave up 9 free base runners.   Lowell got on the board first in the 2nd starting with a walk, then back to back singles to go up by 2 runs. 2-0   The Eagles answered back in the top of the 3rd when Lowell committed multiple errors and gave back multiple free base runners with a walk and hit by pitch. John Bakker had a crucial 2 out single scoring Jake Koetje and Will Doezema.   Lowell took the lead back in the 4th on a double to right field to go up 5-3.   The Eagles tallied three runs in the fifth inning to answer back. The rally started with a walk by Jake Koetje, then a double by Brayden Melinn driving in 2 runs to go up 6-5.   In the bottom of the sixth inning, Lowell tied things up at 6 just prior to the last out of the game before the game was called due to darkness.   Will Bush, Melinn, Will Doezema, and John Bakker each collected one hit to lead the Eagles. Grand Rapids Christian was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error bouncing back from the game prior. Will Doezema had the most chances in the field with seven.

Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Two Pitchers Work Together in No-Hitter to Defeat Sparta   Grand Rapids Christian two pitchers didn't allow a single hit, as Grand Rapids Christian defeated Sparta 11-0 on Wednesday. Ben DeYoung got the start on the mound. The pitcher was amazing and surrendered 0 runs on 0 hits over 4 innings, striking out 6 and walking 1. He threw 74% strikes and 68% first pitch strikes and continued to stay ahead of hitters.   Parker DeHoek came in relief in the last inning striking out the side including Tyler Pangborn to get the last out of the game.   The Eagles got on the board in the first inning when Will Doezema grounded out, scoring Will Bush on a fielders choice.   In the second, Jacob Rodenhouse tripled to right to score Jake Koetje and the Eagles went up 2-0.   The Eagles tallied 7 runs in the third inning.  They put the pressure on, lead by singles by DeYoung, Bakker, DuShane, and VanHekken, walks by Bush and Doezema, and an error on a ball put in play by DeYoung.   Offensively, Grand Rapids Christian tallied a whopping 13 hits. Jake Koetje and Levi DuShane both had multiple hits.  Jake Koetje had a bounce back game and went 3-for-3 at the plate to lead the team in hits.

Bakker, Doezema and Koetje Combine In 2nd No-Hitter of the day to gain 6-2 Victory Over Sparta   Grand Rapids Christians three pitchers didn't allow a single hit, as they defeated the Sparta Spartans 6-2 on Wednesday. Jake Koetje induced a fly out from Jackson Breuer to get the last out of the game.   John Bakker led things off on the mound for the Eagles. Bakker went 4 innings, allowing 0 runs on 0 hits and striking out 4.   Parker DeHoek had his best catching game throwing out 3 runners on the basepaths to also help shut down any Sparta offensive rallies.   Offensively, the Eagles got things started in the first inning when Will Doezema's sac fly scored the first run of the game.   They tallied three more runs in the third inning. Will Bush started off the inning with a lead off triple, followed by a single up the middle by Parker DeHoek. Ben DeYoung single soon after scoring DeHoek. Jake Koetje stole second allowing Bakker to score on the throw.   Grand Rapids Christian racked up eight hits. Will Bush, DeHoek, and DeYoung all managed multiple hits. Will Bush led the team with three hits in three at bats.  He had an amazing game with 2 triples to help spark rallies. The Eagles tore up the base paths, as three players stole at least two bases.

Tough defense and lights out pitching by John Bakker just fall short against East Grand Rapids   A walk-off left Grand Rapids Christian on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat to East Grand Rapids on Tuesday. The game was tied at 1 with East Grand Rapids batting in the bottom of the seventh when Josh McCune singled on a 1-2 count to shallow right, scoring the winning run.   The pitching was strong on both sides. East Grand Rapids struck out 6, while John Bakker sat down 5. John Bakker led things off on the mound for the Eagles. The righty allowed 6 hits and 1 run over 6 innings, striking out 5. Parker DeHoek threw one-third of an inning in relief out of the bullpen.   The game was tied at zero in the top of the 6th when Will Bush singled on a line drive up the middle. With 2 outs, Will stole 2nd to move into scoring position. He scored the go ahead run on a close play at first on a ground ball to short hit by Parker DeHoek.   East Grand Rapids evened things up at one in the bottom of the sixth inning. East Grand Rapids scored one run when Callan Royce singled driving in the tying run.   Tyler Stinton, Will Bush, Will Doezema, and Bakker each collected one hit to lead Grand Rapids Christian.  The Eagles were sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Doezema made the most plays with seven.

East Grand Rapids Captures Lead Early to Defeat Grand Rapids Christian   The Eagles watched the game slip away early and couldn't recover in a 15-2 loss to East Grand Rapids on Monday. East Grand Rapids took the lead on a groundout in the first inning.   Grand Rapids Christian struggled to put runs on the board and had a tough time defensively containing East Grand Rapids, giving up 15 runs.   Micus, Brayden Melinn, Ben DeYoung, and Jacob Rodenhouse each collected one hit to lead the Eagles. The game was close and 4-2 going into the 5th inning until East Grand Rapids distanced themselves.   Will Doezema led things off on the pitcher's mound for Grand Rapids Christian. Doezema lasted 3 innings, allowing one hit, 5 walks and 4 runs while striking out 1.  Jack Micus and Parker DeHoek entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two and two-thirds innings and one-third of an inning respectively.

Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Struggles to Find Groove Against East Grand Rapids   Grand Rapids Christian couldn't keep up with East Grand Rapids and fell 12-4 on Monday.   East Grand Rapids opened up scoring in the first inning, when the leadoff hitter scored on a passed ball.   Grand Rapids Christian evened things up at 3 in the bottom of the second inning with a rally when DeYoung, Bakker, and Jake Koetje singled then followed by Brayden Melinn who doubled on a 2-2 count, scoring two runs.   Jake Koetje went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Eagles in hits   East Grand Rapids pulled away for good with 3 runs in the third inning.  In the third an error scored 1 run for East Grand Rapids and Pierson Kortman singled on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs. The Pioneers ran wild on the base paths with 8 stolen bases.  East Grand Rapids didn't commit a single error in the field.   Ben DeYoung was on the pitcher's mound for the Eagles. The righty allowed 5 hits and 10 runs over 4 innings, striking out 5. Tyler Stinton threw one inning out of the bullpen. The Eagles consistently let the leadoff hitters on base and it translated into multiple runs.

With DeHoek On The Mound, Grand Rapids Christian Shuts Out South Christian   Parker DeHoek threw a shutout to lead Grand Rapids Christian past South Christian 12-0 on Saturday. DeHoek got the win for Grand Rapids Christian. The righthander allowed 2 hits and zero runs over five innings, striking out 5. He only threw 52 total pitches or an average of 10.4 pitches per inning.   The offense started with a single by Jacob Rodenhouse with the bases loaded in the 2nd. The offense continued for the Eagles when they scored 6 runs in the fifth inning.  The big bats in the inning were led by singles by Mark VanHekken and DeHoek followed by a double by Ben DeYoung that sealed the game.   Will Doezema, DeYoung, John Bakker, Jack Micus, Jacob Rodenhouse, DeHoek, and VanHekken each managed one hit to lead Grand Rapids Christian.  They were sure handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Micus had seven chances in the field, the most on the team and played amazing at catcher.

Early Lead For Unity Christian Seals Fate For Grand Rapids Christian   Grand Rapids Christian Eagles fell behind early and couldn't come back in an 11-0 loss to the Unity Christian Crusaders on Saturday. Unity Christian took the lead on an error in the first inning.   The Eagles struggled to contain the high-powered offense of Unity Christian giving up 11 runs.   Jake Koetje started the game for Grand Rapids Christian. The righthander allowed 5 hits and 7 runs over 4 innings, striking out 3.  Will Doezema and John Bakker entered the game as relief, throwing two-thirds of an inning and one-third of an inning respectively. The Eagles didn’t offer their pitchers a lot of help defensively committing 9 total errors in the field.   A single by Jacob Rodenhouse in the first inning was a positive for Grand Rapids Christian. Tyler Stinton, Bakker, and Rodenhouse each also managed 1 hit to lead the Eagles.

Grand Rapids Christian Eagles Clinch Lead in Seventh Inning 5-2 before game is called in the bottom of the 7th due to lightning   Grand Rapids Christian Eagles tied Northview 5-2 on Wednesday after taking the lead late in the game.  The game was tied at two with the Eagles battled in the top of the seventh when Ben DeYoung doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.   Brayden Melinn showed why he’s a two sport superstar with a massive double to CF in the 4th. He advanced to 3rd when the throw went out of play. Jacob Rodenhouse drove him in shortly after. Mark VanHekken continued his 2 game hit streak with another line drive to center.   DeYoung went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead the Eagles in hits including a key double in the 7th to drive in the go ahead run.   DeYoung led things off on the mound for the Eagles. The righty allowed five hits and two runs over six innings, striking out nine and walking one. The Eagles had a great defensive day committing only one error on the day.   The Eagles were the comeback kids for a second straight game putting up 3 runs in the top of the 7th on a walk by Jake Koetje, sac bunt by Parker DeHoek and back to back doubles by Ben DeYoung and John Bakker.   Unfortunately, the game was called in the bottom of the 7th due to lightning.

Grand Rapids Christian grabs lead in the 6th to defeat Northview   Grand Rapids Christian defeated Northview 10-9 on Tuesday after taking the lead late in the game. The Eagles trailed 9-8 in the bottom of the sixth inning when Jack Micus singled on the first pitch of the at bat, scoring 2 runs.   There was plenty of action on the basepaths as the Eagles collected 12 hits and Northview had only 4.   In the bottom of the third inning, Grand Rapids Christian Eagles tied things up at 6. The Eagles scored one run when Jacob Rodenhouse singled. The Eagles tallied six runs in the third inning. The offensive onslaught was led by Will Doezema, Ben DeYoung, John Bakker, Parker DeHoek, Levi DuShane, and Rodenhouse, all knocking in runs in the inning.   The Eagles entered the 6th inning tied at 6. After 2 crucial errors, the Eagles found themselves down 3 runs with their last at bats. The team showed poise with back to back hits by Bakker and Micus to take the lead.   Grand Rapids Christian totaled 12 hits in the game tieing their highest of the season. Bakker, DeYoung, and Doezema each managed multiple hits. Doezema, DeYoung, and Bakker all had 2 hits to lead the team.   Bakker led things off on the hill. The righty allowed 2 hits and 4 runs over two innings, striking out three. Jack Micus came in for relief and was dialed in. He threw 4 innings striking out 5. 

Forest Hills Northern bested Grand Rapids Christian in a high-scoring extra inning affair, 7-6.   In the first inning, Grand Rapids Christian got their offense started. Will Doezema hit into a fielder's choice, scoring one run.   After the Eagles scored one run in the top of the fourth, Forest Hills Northern answered with one of their own.  Forest Hills Northern then answered when Tom Justice singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run.   Grand Rapids Christian tallied one home run on the day when Ben DeYoung went for the long ball in the fifth inning over the center fielders head   In the top of the seventh inning, the Eagles tied things up at six. Ben DeYoung grounded out, scoring one run.   Doezema started the game on the mound. The righthander allowed 3 hits and 5 runs over two and two-thirds innings, striking out 6. Jack Micus and Jake Koetje entered the game from the bullpen, throwing two and a third innings and two innings respectively. Pitchers struck out 12 total hitters making it 3 straight games with over 10 strikeouts.   Koetje, Doezema, DeYoung, and Jacob Rodenhouse each managed one hit to lead the Eagles. Grand Rapids Christian continued tearing up the base paths, as 3 players stole at least two bases. Jacob Rodenhouse led the way with two.

Incomplete game

Late Score Costs GR Christian Eagles Against Forest Hills Northern   Monday's game against Forest Hills Northern was a heartbreaker for the Eagles, as they lost the lead late in a 5-3 defeat. The game was tied at 3 with the Huskies batting in the top of the 5th when Tyler Fus reached on a dropped third strike.   John Bakker was on the pitcher's mound for Grand Rapids Christian. Bakker allowed 2 hits and 2 runs over 3 innings, striking out 6. Will Doezema and Parker DeHoek entered the game from the bullpen, throwing one and two-thirds innings and one-third of an inning respectively. Will Doezema stepped up big time and pitched the Eagles out of a jam in the 4th. Eagles pitchers followed up a 19 strikeout outing vs. South Christian with another 11 strikeouts vs. the Huskies.   John Bakker also started off the offense with a triple in the 2nd and then immediately scoring on a passed ball. Grand Rapids Christian only had 4 total hits in the game. Doezema, Bakker, Jake Koetje, and DeHoek each managed one hit to lead the Eagles.

Grand Rapids Christian Eagles pitchers strike out 19 in 13-4 win over South Christian   Parker DeHoek was clutch at the plate with runners on base on Monday, driving in four on three hits to lead the Eagles past the Sailors 13-4 on Monday.  DeHoek drove in runs on a single in the 2nd and a single in the 5th.   Grand Rapids Christian grabbed an early lead.  The Eagles scored on a single by Levi DuShane, an error during Jacob Rodenhouse's at bat, and a single by DeHoek in the second inning.   Grand Rapids Christian pulled away for good with four runs in the second inning.  In the second DuShane singled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run, an error scored another, and DeHoek singled on a 1-0 count, scoring two runs.   The Eagles tallied four runs in the 5th inning.  The offensive onslaught by was led by Jack Micus, Will Doezema, and DeHoek who each had RBIs in the inning.   The Eagles tore up the base paths, as four players stole at least two bases. Jake Koetje led the way with four.   Grand Rapids Christian collected 12 hits on the day. Jake Koetje, Parker DeHoek and Levi DuShane all managed multiple hits for Grand Rapids Christian. DeHoek led with three hits in five at bats.   Ben DeYoung got the start on the hill for the Eagles. DeYoung surrendered three runs on one hit over two innings, striking out five. John Bakker and Will Doezema came in for relief and both striking out 7. The Eagles also played lights out defense including a snow cone running stop by Jake Mersman.