After their games were canceled on April 2, Delta’s baseball and softball teams heat up
By: Blake Metiva
After a strong weekend series against the Alpena Community College Lumberjacks, Delta baseball and softball have a combined record of 8-4. The baseball team took three of four, while the softball team swept their series.
The men exploded for a total of 29 runs in four games against the Lumberjacks. Their highest scoring game was their early game on Friday, where they scored 10 runs.
Freshman Alex Pahl brings the heat to an opposing Alpena player, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Freshman Carter Short swings to make contact with the pitch hurling in their direction, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Sophomore Gavin Malenfant pitches the ball to a teammate during warmups, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Players gather at the mound before starting the play, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Sophomore Gavin Malenfant reaches down for the ball after a play, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Freshman Alex Pahl winds up to throw a pitch, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley
Sophomore Gavin Malenfant had a particularly good weekend. In his six at-bats he racked up four hits, four Runs Batted In (RBI), scored two runs and stole a base. Sophomore Connor Cooper had two walks, three hits and three runs scored while picking up an RBI.
The bats weren’t the only thing lighting up the field; the Pioneer pitchers combined for 21 strikeouts in 22 innings, with a combined Earned Run Average of a 4.77 in their victories. Sophomore Cameron Gross struck out an impressive eight batters in his 3.2 innings pitched, while freshman Owen Wendt threw a complete game; he earned the win, allowed two runs and struck out three batters.
The women weren’t to be outdone, as they one-upped the men scoring 44 runs in their four-game sweep of the Lumberjacks. Their highest scoring game was a 16-4 annihilation. The softball team had a combined 57 hits, 48 RBIs, 15 walks, and 15 stolen bases. Sophomore Brooklyn Tocco had a phenomenal series, in her 17 at bats against Alpena she had 13 hits, six RBIs, two doubles, two triples, two stolen bases and a home run. Sophomore Cheyanne Hoody had 11 RBIs, 11 hits, four stolen bases, two triples and a double. The freshman pitching duo of Cadence Swartz and Samantha Fryzel combined for four wins, with three of these being complete games.
Sophomore Grace Militello stares down the opposing team’s pitcher to prepare to swing, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Sophomore Grace Militello holds at first base after a single, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Freshman Megan Mankey touches home, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Sophomore Grace Militello reaches down to grab a thrown bat after a hit, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Sophomore Grace Militello high-fives Freshman Annabelle Carlson in passing after a play, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley 
Freshman Annabelle Carlson watches the ball to swing at the right time, University Center, Apr. 6, 2024; photo credit Emma Blakley
The Pioneers’ next home matchups are against the Mid-Michigan College Lakers on April 16. The first games for both baseball and softball begin at 2 p.m. The second game for the softball team begins at 4 p.m. while the second baseball game starts at 5 p.m.
