Back-to-back home runs and clutch relief pitching powered the Hope College baseball team to 18-0 and 6-4 wins in the series opener at Olivet on Thursday.
The Flying Dutchmen improved to 12-11 overall and 8-6 in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association play.
In the 6-4 win, cousins Landon Brower of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS) and Luke Brower of Holland, Michigan (Holland Christian HS) slugged homers in consecutive bats to spark a five-run rally that secured a doubleheader sweep.
Reliever Matt Glowacki of Goodrich, Michigan (Goodrich HS) extinguished an Olivet rally in the seventh by striking out the two batters he faced and stranding runners at second and third.
It was Glowacki's third save in two days and fifth of the season.
Reliever Eric Plaehn of Lansing, Michigan (Catholic Central HS) earned the win with eight innings of relief. He came into the game after starter Mitch Reitsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan (Christian HS) did not retire the first five batters.
Plaehn (2-1) scattered seven hits and two runs before exiting after the eighth. He struck out eight.
Landon Brower started the rally that gave Hope a 6-2 lead with a two-run blast, his first of the season. Luke Brower followed in the next at-bats with his first home run of the season as well.
Pinch-hitter Jordon Fairchild of Muskegon, Michigan (Oakridge HS capped the rally with a RBI double.
In the first game, the Flying Dutchmen charged to an 11-0 lead with a six-run second and a five-run third.
Winning pitcher Michael Thomas of Troy, Michigan (Troy HS) tossed a four-hit complete game. He struck out eight and walked one.
Shortstop Brady VanderWeele of Kalamazoo, Michigan (Parchment HS) went 1-for-3 with three RBI on a two-run double and a sacrifice fly.
Landon Brower went 3-for-5 with three RBI.
Third baseman Danny Carrasco of Grandville, Michigan (Calvin Christian HS) had three runs and two hits.
Hope returns to action on Saturday, April 16 with a Hometown Week doubleheader against Olivet, presented by Lorence & VanderZwart. Start time for the MIAA doubleheader is 1 p.m. at Boeve Stadium. Free team posters will be given away during the games, thanks to the support of Schreur Printing.
