No. 5 Grand Valley State University baseball (16-4) continued its historic start to the 2026 season with a dominant four-game sweep of Missouri University of Science and Technology, highlighting a team identity built on pitching, defense and a relentless offensive approach.
The Lakers capped the series with a doubleheader sweep Monday, March 9, winning 12-2 in game one and 14-2 in game two. With the victories, GVSU improved to 14-1, tying the 2008 squad for the best start in program history.
Head coach Jordan Keur said the early success is largely the result of strong team chemistry and recruiting players who fit the program’s culture.
“Honestly, it’s just (about) recruiting the right kids,” Keur said. “You recruit good kids that get it done in the classroom and on the field. We’ve got a talented group that’s a good mix of older veteran guys and a lot of really talented young guys.”
Pitching set the tone for the series in Rolla, Missouri. Throughout the series, the Lakers’ pitching staff controlled the tempo. Keur said the coaching staff has emphasized limiting free bases and forcing opponents to earn every opportunity at the plate.
“Our guys on the mound have been great all year,” Keur said. “We’ve really preached not giving up free bases. When you compete in the zone and let your defense play behind you, it’s usually a recipe for success.”
That formula worked perfectly in game three, when senior pitcher Duncan McLaughlin delivered a dominant outing on the mound. The right-hander carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and finished with one earned run allowed on just one hit. Sophomore Edward Konow closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning that sealed the 12-2 victory.
The Lakers’ offense provided more than enough support. GVSU scored two runs in the first inning before breaking the game open with five runs in the third and another five in the seventh.
Senior shortstop Ayden VanEnkevort highlighted the offensive surge with a grand slam—GVSU’s third grand slam in two games during the series. Senior center fielder Jake Skaggs contributed a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored, while senior first baseman Jovan Gill added two doubles and an RBI.
FGame four featured another standout pitching performance, this time from freshman standout Jackson Kees. The right-hander tossed a complete-game, three-hit performance across seven innings while allowing just two runs and striking out four to improve to 4-0 on the season.
Keur said the development of young pitchers like Kees has been a major boost for the team.
“Jackson Kees has been really, really good,” Keur said. “He’s gotten better each start, and he’s competing in the zone like we talk about.”
Once again, the Lakers’ offense erupted. GVSU scored in five separate innings, including five runs in the third and four in the sixth.
Senior Evan Morrison finished 3-for-5 with two RBIs and three runs scored, while senior catcher Nick Krstich added three RBIs. Freshmen Kaden Howard and Josh Fleming also drove in two runs apiece as the Lakers rolled to a 14-2 victory to complete the sweep.
While the lineup has consistently produced runs, Keur believes the team’s success starts with its pitching staff and defense.
“Our bats have been really good, and our lineup has been impressive,” Keur said. “But, honestly, it’s kind of been overshadowed by our pitching and defense. We’re built around that.”
That identity has allowed the Lakers to apply pressure in multiple ways. The team has walked more than it has struck out this season, forcing opposing pitchers to work deep counts constantly.
“We don’t usually get ourselves out,” Keur said. “It’s about applying pressure and not giving cheap outs away.”
Morrison has been a key catalyst in that approach, providing leadership and consistent production near the top of the lineup.
“When you have a guy like (Morrison) who’s one of your best players and one of the hardest workers on the team, guys just fall in line,” Keur said.
Following the Missouri S&T series, the Lakers remained in Missouri for two more games against nationally ranked competition.
GVSU defeated No. 20 Augustana University (12-4) 8-6 before falling in a high-scoring, 14-13 contest against Drury University (8-4). The latter game featured multiple momentum swings and a strong wind blowing out from home plate.
Notwithstanding the loss, Keur was encouraged by his team’s resilience despite falling behind early.
“Our guys punched back,” Keur said. “They could have folded, but they responded and gave themselves a chance to win.”
The strong performance during the Missouri trip helped solidify the Lakers’ place among the nation’s top teams early in the season, earning a No. 9 national ranking. GVSU also earned individual recognition, with senior Collin Bradley being named GLIAC Pitcher of the Week and Skaggs earning GLIAC Player of the Week honors.
For Keur, those accolades reflect the collective effort that has fueled the program’s best start in nearly two decades.
“When you mix great leadership with talented young players,” Keur said, “it usually creates a pretty good squad.”
With a deep pitching staff, an aggressive offense and a veteran-led clubhouse, the Lakers are proving their historic start is no accident. GVSU will head down to Daytona Beach, Florida, for two more away series from March 20-22.
