CALEDONIA, Mich. — Davenport baseball (17-19) secured a revenge victory over Hillsdale College (13-18) with a final score of 16–11 on Wednesday at the Farmers Insurance Complex. Hillsdale won the first meeting on April 1 by a score of 13-9. Davenport established an early lead with 13 runs across the first three innings, including a decisive five-run second inning. Despite the Chargers' late-game efforts, which included three runs in both the sixth and eighth innings, Davenport maintained its advantage to seal the win.
Davenport surged ahead in the first inning with four runs. After
Sam Clay struck out,
Carson Lindau singled, and
Justin Johnson was hit by a pitch.
Dylan Pawenski singled to center, driving in Lindau. A passed ball allowed both Johnson and Pawenski to advance.
Aidan Arbaugh grounded out, scoring Johnson. An error allowed
Travis Liford to reach third, and Pawenski scored.
Wyatt Epple's single added another, making it 4–2 at the end of the first inning.
The second inning saw another five runs for Davenport. Clay was hit by a pitch, stole second, and eventually scored on a fielder's choice by Liford. Epple singled, driving in two more runs, followed by a triple from
Cam Johnson, which brought in two more, extending Davenport's lead to 9–2.
In the third inning, Davenport continued its offensive onslaught. Clay and Lindau reached base and advanced on a wild pitch.
Justin Johnson was hit by a pitch, and Pawenski walked to score Clay. A wild pitch scored Lindau, and Epple's single added two more runs, bringing the score to 13–4. Epple's performance in this inning contributed to his career-highs in hits, RBIs, and steals for the game.
Davenport added to its lead in the sixth inning. Epple singled, stole second, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Clay, making it 14–7.
In the eighth inning, Davenport secured two more runs. Epple doubled, and
Cam Johnson walked.
Joey Barboza singled to load the bases.
Parker Neel's sacrifice fly brought in Epple, and Johnson's single added another, setting the score at 16–11. Epple's double in this inning helped him tie the school record for five hits and five stolen bases in a single game.
A.J. Park started the game for Davenport, pitching 2 1/3 innings with four earned runs on three hits, three walks, and two strikeouts.
Gage Vota followed, securing the win by pitching 1 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and one walk, while also hitting two batters.
Brayden Flanders provided solid relief, throwing two innings, giving up one earned run on five hits, and striking out two.
Ian Dixon closed the game with one inning of work, surrendering one hit and recording one strikeout.
Epple led the team with five hits, driving in five runs and scoring three while also stealing five bases, tying the school record also held by Nolan Anspaugh on May 13, 2022 versus SVSU. Pawenski added to the offensive effort with three hits, scoring three times and collecting two RBIs.
Cam Johnson contributed with a triple, bringing in two runs, and drew three walks.
Justin Johnson scored twice and secured an RBI, enhancing the team's scoring opportunities.
In their next game, Davenport will travel to face Parkside at 4 p.m. ET on Friday in Kenosha, Wisconsin to continue conference play.
