EAST LANSING – The 64th annual Dean Shippey Diamond Classic opening nightcap was a battle of heavyweight programs that have experienced great success in recent years.
On one side, Grand Ledge entered as the defending Diamond Classic champion, looking to repeat and win the program’s 31st Classic title – 24 more than any other program.
But the Comets would have to get through Portland St. Patrick Shamrocks – the defending Division 4 state champions who had only lost one game all season.
It was a pitcher’s duel for the first four innings, with the Comets squeaking a run home in the second inning off an error to have a 1-0 lead.
But with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, Grand Ledge junior pitcher Michael Bos decided to take matters into his own hands. Bos ripped a two-run single into left field off St. Patrick senior Brady Leonard to give the Comets separation en route to an eventual 3-1 win.
Bos pitched 5 1/3 innings for the Comets, striking out six Shamrock batters before freshman Easton Benaske came in and closed the door for the remainder of the game. Leonard had five strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings for St. Patrick.
The Shamrocks would get on the board in the sixth inning off a sacrifice from junior Sean Fedewa and were able to get the leadoff runner on base in the seventh inning. But they were unable to keep the rally going from there, sending the Comets to the Classic semifinals.
Grand Ledge (22-8) will face either Mason, DeWitt, or Lakewood in the semis on May 27. St. Patrick (23-2) will next face Lansing Christian on May 21 before eventually facing the Pilgrims again in district play on May 30.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Stellar pitching lifts Grand Ledge in Diamond Classic opener
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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