ALLENDALE – The SVSU baseball team traveled to play #18 Grand Valley State on Tuesday (Mar. 31) in a single, nine-inning contest that was originally scheduled for Sunday.  After taking one of three over the weekend, the Cardinals fell in the final game of the series by a score of 5-1.

SVSU falls to 7-9 overall for the 2015 season and 2-6 in the GLIAC while GVSU improves to 13-8 and 5-3 in league play.

The Lakers jumped out to a 2-0 lead after scoring a run in the bottom of the first and second innings, respectively. 

The Cards cut that lead in half in the top of the fifth inning to make the score 2-1.  Brad Schalk singled to lead-off the inning and was moved to third when Chris Perkovich roped a double to left center.  Dylin Eschenburg dug-in next and hit a grounder to shortstop, scoring Perkovich.

GVSU added single runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, making the score 5-1 heading into the ninth inning.  That's what the final score would remain, as the home team finished off the four-run victory.

Of the Lakers' five runs, three were earned.

SVSU had five hits in the game, with Eschenburg posting a hit and an RBI and a walk.  Perkovich had the only extra-base hit for the Cards, the first and only of the series versus the Lakers.  Schalk had a hit, walk and scored the lone run for SV.  Brendan Harrison and Chad Carson had the other hits for the visitors, who had 11 runners left on base.

Bailey Magsig took the loss on the mound, allowing two runs on four hits, striking out three and walking two batters.

Saginaw Valley opens its home slate for the 2015 season this weekend on Friday and Saturday.  The Cardinals host the University of Findlay in a four game set.  Friday's doubleheader is set to begin at 1:00 pm and Saturday's is set for a noon first pitch.