D2 Baseball Final: Redemption for GRC

June 16, 2012

BATTLE CREEK – “Redemption” was the word used by Grand Rapids Christian junior Alex VandeVusse on Friday to describe how the Eagles hoped to finish this season with a win after ending 2011 with a loss in the Division 2 Final.

Consider them redeemed.

Senior Taylor Pruis finished off an outstanding hitting weekend with three hits, two RBI and two runs scored as Grand Rapids Christian cruised to a 6-1 win over Bay City John Glenn and its first MHSAA championship Saturday at Bailey Park.

The Eagles (36-5) broke open a 1-1 game with three runs in the top of the sixth inning, and then scored two more in the seventh as senior Kurt Hoekstra finished up three and two-thirds hitless innings for the win in relief. Grand Rapids Christian was ranked No. 2 in the state coaches poll heading into the tournament and also had finished runner-up in 2005.

John Glenn, ranked No. 3, played in its first Final. The Bobcats got two hits from senior Brandon Vittitow, but only two more total. They finished 35-8.

Click for a complete box score.

PHOTO: Grand Rapids Christian teammates congratulate first baseman Alex VandeVusse after he stretches to make a play during Saturday's Division 2 Final.