DETROIT, Mich. - The battle between West Michigan institutions was a nail-biter on Saturday night under the lights at The Corner Ballpark. The Panthers (32-18) scored three first-inning runs and it held up in a 3-2 win over Grand Valley State (28-23). The Lakers were eliminated from the tournament while the Panthers advance to play Ashland on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m.

The pitching of Justin Palmbos and Andrew Click kept the Lakers off-balance throughout the contest. Palmbos improved to 8-3 on the season getting the start and lasting 7.2 innings. He allowed two runs in the second inning but then dialed in to record a quality start. Palmbos allowed eight hits and walked two with three strikeouts. Click entered with two outs and two men on in the top of the eighth. He fanned Zach Berry to end the inning and then closed out the ninth for his first career save. The Lakers got a one-out single but consecutive outs ended the contest.

Davenport's first inning started with a leadoff walk to Anthony DiPonio, who then moved to second on a passed ball. After the next two batters were retired, Brian Sobieski singled to third narrowly beating out the throw. Jacob Buchberger drew a walk and on ball four the pitch reached the backstop as DiPonio scored. Austin Petravicius had the big hit with a double and RBI down the right field line. Sobieski scored and then Buchberger scored on a throwing error.