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Kent City baseball coach notches 200th career win in extra-innings thriller at Oakridge

Son helps Derek Larson reach milestone in 10-7, 8-inning victory in season opener.

Photos by Emily Vanderstelt for CatchMark

MUSKEGON — Kent City’s baseball team made sure that head coach Derek Larson’s 200th win would be a memorable one.

In a battle of teams nicknamed Eagles, Kent City pushed across three runs in the top of the eighth for a 10-7 extra-innings victory over host Oakridge during a back-and-forth nonleague season opener Monday.

Larson’s son, senior Kyler Larson, earned the pitching win in relief with two scoreless innings and delivered a big double in the pivotal eighth frame.

Kyler Larson suffered a torn ACL in his knee during basketball season, but the right-handed Grand Rapids Community College signee was still out there battling on the diamond.

Here are more details and notables from the game:

  • Kent City led 2-1 after one inning and 3-2 after three.
  • Kent City built a 6-2 lead through four innings, then Oakridge rallied with four runs in the fifth to tie it.
  • Kent City went back in front, 7-6, in the sixth, then Oakridge answered again with a run in the seventh to tie it and force extra innings.
  • Kent City outhit Oakridge, 8-6.
  • Kent City made six errors compared to two for Oakridge. Kent City benefited from nine walks by Oakridge pitchers.
  • Ryan Darling had two hits, including a double, scored three runs and had an RBI to lead Kent City offensively.
  • Webb Longcore also doubled for Kent City, driving in a pair of runs.
  • Troy Atwood had a hit and scored three runs for Kent City.
  • Zane Kik and Tyler Brummel both had a hit and drove in two runs for Kent City.
  • Matt Danicek and Arturo Romero-Serrano both had a pair of hits and scored two runs for Oakridge. Romero-Serrano also had an RBI.
  • Evan Miller provided a two-run double for Oakridge.
  • Brody Jennings drove in a run for Oakridge.
  • This is Derek Larson’s 20th season at the Kent City helm, including the COVID year.

Lead writer for CatchMark SportsNet and Web Services leader for CatchMark Technologies.

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