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The University of Olivet

UOlivet scores four runs in the eighth to rally past Hope, 6-4, in MIAA-opener

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UOlivet scores four runs in the eighth to rally past Hope, 6-4, in MIAA-opener Play Video
March 27, 2026

OLIVET, Mich. – After giving up the lead in the top of the eighth inning, The University of Olivet baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the inning to beat Hope College, 6-4, this afternoon at the Cutler Athletic Complex. It was the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opening game for both schools.

THE BASICS

  • Final Score: Olivet 6, Hope 4
  • Location: Cutler Athletic Complex; Olivet, Michigan
  • Records: Olivet 9-7 overall, 1-0 MIAA; Hope 6-13 overall, 0-1 MIAA

HOW IT HAPPENED

  • The Comets took a 1-0 lead when junior EJ Suggitt blasted a 2-0 pitch over the left field fence to lead off the second inning. The Flying Dutchmen plated an unearned run in the top of fifth to even the score.
  • Olivet manufactured the go-ahead run in the sixth. Senior Braden Abbott walked to lead off the inning. Senior Mikey Kuzara's sacrifice bunt advanced him to second. Freshman Mario Ricard hit a ball into shallow center field, allowing Abbott to safely slide under the tag at the plate.
  • Hope scored three unearned runs in the top of the eighth, with all three scoring after there were two outs. The Comets began their half of the eighth with the first three batters reaching base via Flying Dutchmen errors. After a strikeout, senior Tyler Duncan's sacrifice fly scored Ricard. Senior Owen Smith then lined a two-strike pitch into center field to score Suggitt with tying run. Following a pitching change, senior Brody Parten stroked a 2-2 pitch into the left-center gap to score senior Nate Droste and Smith.

FOR THE COMETS

  • At the plate, Olivet had only six hits, but each one made the difference in the game.
  • Senior Bryan Carney started on the mound but did not factor in the pitching decision. He allowed five hits and three walks, while striking out nine over the first seven innings.
  • Junior Logan Lewis pitched the eighth and ninth innings to earn the win. He struck out three batters.

UP NEXT

  • Olivet and Hope finish the three-game MIAA series tomorrow with a doubleheader at Boeve Stadium in Holland, starting at 1 p.m.

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