Lakeland College

Offense Helps Baseball Sweep Crusaders

Athletics - posted on 4/5/2008

Offense was certainly a strong point for the Lakeland College baseball team in its Northern Athletics Conference doubleheader against Maranatha Baptist Bible College, as the Muskies totaled 28 hits in both games to pick up the wins, 14-4 and 24-10, on Saturday, April 5, at home.

Sophomore Mike Ruzek was the winning pitcher for the Muskies (4-9, 3-3 NAC) in game one, after coming in for sophomore Lee Chepil to face 13 batters with no hits and no runs. Senior Adam Hablewitz picked up the win in game two after relieving freshman Matt Katzman. Freshman Eric Zuelsdorf also came in to help close the door, pitching an inning at the end of the game.

Sophomore centerfielder Jake Heinemeyer helped lead the Muskies at the plate in both games, tallying a total of six hits on eight at-bats with six runs and four RBIs. Freshman catcher Dave Novak also put up a strong 4-for-7 effort at the plate on the day with five runs and four RBIs.

Lakeland actually trailed the Crusaders by one run, 4-3, in game one following two runs by Maranatha in the fourth inning. However, two runs in the fifth inning followed by a big seven-run seventh inning where the Muskies took advantage of fielding and pitching errors helped put the game out of reach.

The Muskies cruised through the second game after leading just 5-4 following a grand slam by the Crusaders, thanks to an 11-run fifth inning on just four hits to blow the game wide open in Lakeland's favor.

The Muskies will continue NAC play with a doubleheader at Marian College on Sunday, April 6. Game start time is set for 12 p.m. in Fond du Lac, Wis.

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