KCC baseball starts season strong, ranks 6th in the nation in latest poll

KCC's 2018 baseball team.

The Kellogg Community College baseball team is off to an impressive start this season, coming up 3-0 since returning from their annual spring trip to Louisiana earlier this month. Just yesterday it was announced that the Bruins are ranked sixth in the nation in their division in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association poll

Below are results for the Bruins’ last three games. To sign up to receive KCC baseball results by email, visit www.kellogg.edu/baseball and fill out the “Get KCC Athletics Results by Email” form on the left side (desktop) or bottom (mobile) of the page. You can also get real-time updates from the team by following the Bruins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BaseballKellogg.

KCC defeats Olivet College JV 12-4

KCC baseball defeated Olivet College’s JV team 12-4 on Sunday, March 4, in Olivet.

Sophomore catcher Korey Knowles (Monroe/Ida High School) led the Bruins on offense with a three-run home run, while sophomore fielder Alex Walton (Marshall/Marshall High School) went 2-4 at bat with a double and two RBIs. At the mound for the Bruins, right-handed freshman Derrick Edington (Pickford/Pickford High School) got the win with three innings pitched, striking out four and allowing just two hits and no runs.

“Pitched it pretty well,” Head KCC Baseball Coach Eric Laskovy said. “Nice to get a game in up north and keep some rhythm.”

KCC defeats Sinclair Community College 11-0

KCC baseball shut out Sinclair Community College 11-0 on Friday, March 9, in Xenia, Ohio.

Walton was again a force for the Bruins on offense, hitting 2-4 including a triple and an RBI. Freshman catcher Alex Crump (Grand Rapids/Northview High School) hit 3-5 with five RBIs. On the mound, right-handed freshman Blake Bales (Schoolcraft/Schoolcraft High School) got the win with five innings pitched, striking out eight and allowing no runs. Right-handed sophomore Max Swan (Clare/Clare High School) earned a save with four innings pitched, striking out three and maintaining the shutout.

“Great program win,” Coach Laskovy said. “It all started with a strong effort on the mound.”

KCC defeats Sinclair Community College 16-1

KCC baseball defeated Sinclair Community College for the second consecutive day this past weekend, winning 16-1 on Saturday, March 10, in Xenia, Ohio.

It was a big day for local Bruins talent. Sophomore infielder Gavin Homer (Battle Creek/Lakeview High School) had a strong day, hitting 5-6 at the plate including two home runs and four RBIs. Walton hit 2-3, including a triple. On the mound for the Bruins, right-handed sophomore Zach Smith (East Leroy/Harper Creek High school) got the win with five innings pitched, allowing just four hits and no runs.

“Swept ranked Sinclair CC on the road in impressive fashion,” Coach Laskovy said. “Starting pitching was dominant and defense is improving. Gavin Homer had an incredible day hitting for the cycle. Go Bruins!”

The recent wins bring the Bruins’ record for the season so far to 7-3, and in addition to their national ranking they currently sit at the top of their Michigan Community College Athletic Association Western Conference.

The team’s first home games of the season — a doubleheader — will start at 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, against conference opponent Ancilla College at Bailey Park in Battle Creek.

For more information about KCC’s baseball team, including a full schedule, roster and links to official team and player photos available for download by fans and the press, visit www.kellogg.edu/baseball.

Coach Laskovy can be reached at 269-965-3931 ext. 2536 or laskovye@kellogg.edu.