2022 State Runner-up, Grand Rapids Christian, engineered a three-run second and tacked on one in the fourth on its way to a 4-0 win over the Chargers in the Semifinals at MSU’s McLane Stadium. Excellent defense, timely hitting , and clutch pitching returned the Eagles to the championship game where they will take on Grosse Pointe University Liggett.
      Powers had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the first after Grant Garman struck out the side in the top of the inning. Isaac Sturgess led off with a single, and Garman followed with a two-strike single to put runners on first and second with no outs. Later, Jack Dawley walked to load the bases with two outs, but a strikeout ended the inning. In the third, Powers had to three runners reach base (including one thrown out at home after a dazzling relay throw from the Eagle first baseman), only to see another rally thwarted.
     Garman set the school’s single-season strikeout record (127) in his 11-strikeout, complete-game performance. Issac Sturgess led the Chargers’ seven-hit attack with a pair of singles and a stolen base.
     The TEAM never flinched and competed until the final pitch of its 2023 season. Reaching the first Final Four since 1984, piling up a school record 33 wins, collecting District, Regional, and Flint Tourney trophies were big-time highlights. However, the development of the young men on this historic TEAM will never be forgotten. The great tournament run was the result of turning some mid-season adversity and disappointment into end-of-the-season grit, poise, and determination.
     Special thanks to the senior leadership on this team. You are an important link to 2024 and beyond. We appreciate all our parents and fans throughout the year, and we were thrilled by the turnout and support in East Lansing. It will never be forgotten. Despite a gallant effort in a losing cause, those associated with Powers Catholic Baseball remain “Entitled to Nothing; Grateful for Everything.” Onward!