Explosive innings, shutdown pitching, and statement wins defined a busy stretch of high school baseball across the area this week.
Spring Lake continued to look like one of the teams to beat, completing a conference sweep and overpowering a rival, while Montague and Holton rolled through doubleheaders with dominant performances on both sides of the ball. Shelby and Oakridge delivered late-game drama in a split, and Reeths-Puffer added a walk-off moment to an already eventful slate.
Amid all of it, one game stood out for its momentum swing and breakout performance, Fruitport’s decisive win over Ludington.
Fruitport 9, Ludington 3
A single inning made all the difference. After Ludington grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the second inning on an RBI single from Zack Graham, Fruitport responded with a game-changing rally in the top of the third. The Trojans erupted for six runs on just three hits, capitalizing on key opportunities and putting immediate pressure on the Orioles’ defense.
The biggest moment came when Dexter Lillmars delivered a clutch double, driving in two runs and igniting the rally that flipped the game.
From there, freshman pitcher Garrett Olson took over. Olson delivered a dominant complete-game performance, allowing just three hits and three runs (two earned) over seven innings while striking out 12 and walking two. His ability to consistently get ahead in counts and miss bats kept Ludington from mounting any sustained comeback.
Fruitport’s offense remained steady throughout the game, finishing with nine hits. Lillmars led the way with three RBIs, while both he and Wyatt Fielstra collected two hits. Trevor Rusnak also contributed multiple hits as the Trojans showcased depth throughout the lineup.
Ludington managed just three hits on the day, with Graham, Brody Jones, and Brayten Kaminski accounting for the offense. Kaminski drove in two runs and added pressure on the basepaths with aggressive play, but the Orioles were unable to overcome Fruitport’s big inning and strong pitching.
The win set the tone for Fruitport, which went on to complete the doubleheader sweep and continue its strong early-season run.
Other Games
- Spring Lake 7, Hamilton 2
Ryan Fine threw a complete game, allowing four hits, while Max Feltner led the offense with three hits and two RBIs as the Lakers completed a three-game sweep.
- Spring Lake 10, Fruitport 0 (5 innings)
Maddux Kipling dominated with a complete-game shutout, striking out seven and adding a home run as Spring Lake improved to 13-1.
- Montague 11, Mason County Central 1
Montague jumped out early behind Dylan Bailey’s three-hit, three-RBI performance in a commanding win.
- Montague 10, Mason County Central 0
Eli Pendell allowed just one hit and struck out five as Montague completed the sweep in dominant fashion.
- Oakridge 9, Shelby 3
The Eagles used timely two-out hitting to pull away, with multiple players delivering clutch RBIs.
- Shelby 8, Oakridge 7
DayDay Garcia powered Shelby with a home run and three hits as the Tigers held off a late Eagles rally.
- Sault Ste. Marie 3, Oakridge 1
Strong pitching limited Oakridge to one hit in a tightly contested game.
- Sault Ste. Marie 6, Oakridge 5
Oakridge nearly rallied late but fell just short in a one-run loss.
- Manistee 5, Cadillac 3
Braylen Zimmerman earned the win with a steady performance as Manistee held on.
- Cadillac 3, Manistee 1
Cadillac responded in Game 2 behind strong pitching in a low-scoring matchup.
- Reeths-Puffer 7, Caledonia 6
Brayden Meuwenberg delivered a walk-off double to secure a dramatic victory.
- Holton 11, Western Michigan Christian 1 (Game 1)
Bentley Schumann struck out nine as Holton cruised.
- Holton 11, Western Michigan Christian 1 (Game 2)
Lane Frees led the way in another dominant Red Devils performance.
- Fremont 3, Holland Christian 2
Chase Mercer’s sacrifice fly in the seventh lifted Fremont to a narrow win.
- Holland Christian 15, Fremont 1
A 10-run fifth inning powered Holland Christian to the split.
- Byron Center 13, Mona Shores 0
Mona Shores was limited offensively in a tough loss.
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