West Michigan Riptide Dirtbags win Muskegon City League title, qualify for postseason

By Ron Rop
Local Sports Journal

The West Michigan Riptide Dirtbags captured the Muskegon City League championship with a strong finish to the regular season.

The Dirtbags won 11 of their last 13 games and finished with a 15-4 record.

West Michigan Dirtbags crowned Muskegon City League champions.

That effort earned them a berth in the AABC Stan Musial Regional Tournament in Battle Creek Aug. 3-5.

Top pitchers for the Dirtbags were Cody Westerhuis (Grand Valley State), Joe Lambers (Calvin College), Adam Poel (Muskegon Community College) and Nick Eely (Muskegon Community College).

Leading hitters were Ched Gaskin (Purdue North Central University), Ryan Walling (Muskegon Community College), John Jackoviak (Muskegon Community College), Jeff Fuller (Calvin College) and Grant VanPutten (Calvin College).

The remaining players on the roster include Grant Vanderwall (Calvin College), Brett Cavanaugh (Calvin College), Drew Johnson (Muskegon Community College), Cody Merkins (Muskegon Community College), Ryan Wagenmaker (Muskegon Community College), Dan Bloom (Albion), Jordan Manual (Muskegon Community College), Brad Dubois (Purdue North Central University), John Martin (Muskegon Community College, Tyler Tos (Calvin College), Tom Darner (Muskegon Community College), Skeeter Parker (Muskegon Community College) and Colton Satterlee (Western Kentucky).

Bob Cavanaugh and Jeff Lindsey serve as coaches.