By Reagan Thomas · Staff Writer
The Grove City College baseball team opened both its home schedule and PAC play in emphatic fashion Saturday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader against visiting Chatham at Jack Behringer Field. The Wolverines earned a dramatic 6-5 victory in 12 innings in the opener before completing the sweep with an 8-4 win in game two to start conference play 2-0.
In game one, Grove City showcased its resilience, rallying from a 4-0 deficit to force extra innings. Junior right fielder Caleb Backos delivered the walk‑off hit in the bottom of the 12th inning, lining a one‑out double to center field that scored freshman shortstop Kyle Rhineberger, who opened the inning with a single.
The Wolverines began chipping away in the fourth inning when Backos scored on a groundout by freshman third baseman Nick Remish. Grove City continued to close the gap in the sixth as sophomore Kallen Durbin singled in Remish, followed by a two‑run home run from junior Dan Luko to pull the Wolverines within one. Luko struck again in the eighth, tying the game with an RBI single after Remish led off with a double.
On the mound, freshman Wyatt Hopson earned the win with 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, striking out five while allowing just one hit. Freshman Caz Ostrowski also provided key innings out of the bullpen, while sophomore Bryce Trischler made the start.
Game two featured a dominant pitching performance from senior Kenny Lavrich, who worked a career‑best 8 1/3 innings to earn the win. Lavrich allowed one earned run on six hits and struck out five before freshman Graham Romer retired the final two batters to secure the save.
“I just felt very focused on the mound. It was the start of PAC play, so the focus is higher for everyone. Getting a sweep is a big priority in conference games,” Lavrich said.
Offensively, Grove City provided early run support, helping Lavrich settle into a rhythm. The Wolverines jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by Luko’s two‑run double. Chatham narrowed the gap, but Backos responded with an RBI double in the second inning to score David Chandler.
“Run support was huge. The goal is always to put up zeros, but having a lead opens doors. The offense has done a great job all year of scoring early,” Lavrich said.
RBI singles from freshman Johnny Reyes and senior Colin Marinpetro extended Grove City’s lead, and Chandler capped the score with a two‑run single in the seventh inning. Chandler finished the day 2-for-4 with three runs scored, while Backos went 3-for-4 and Luko added two hits as the Wolverines outhit Chatham across the doubleheader.
Lavrich credited his success to in‑season adjustments and trusting his entire arsenal. “Making adjustments has been huge. Trusting all four of my pitches in any count was the biggest difference,” he said.
As a senior, Lavrich also emphasized controlling the tempo on the mound. “You have a responsibility to control the pace of the game. Knowing when to speed it up or slow it down can make a big difference, especially after big innings offensively,” he said.
With the sweep, Grove City opened conference play unbeaten and set the tone for the PAC schedule ahead.
“Starting 2-0 was great for the team. Every conference game matters. Winning the PAC last year put a target on our backs, but our focus is on winning every pitch and getting back to the tournament,” Lavrich said.
The Wolverines will host Geneva in a conference doubleheader at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
