Calvin stretched its win streak to five games with a doubleheader sweep over visiting Alma College Friday afternoon at Calvin Field.

The Knights (17-11 overall, 11-7 MIAA) took the first game 4-3 and then won the nightcap 3-1 to move into sole possesion of second place in the MIAA standings, one game ahead of Hope and two games ahead of Kalamazoo.

In the opener, Calvin broke a scoreless tie with a three-run fifth as the Knights loaded the bases with no outs and then plated two runs on a two-run RBI single by sophomore Jordan VanderWall (Wyoming/South Christian HS) that brought home senior Matt Schepel (Grand Rapids/Grand Rapids Christian HS) and junior Peter Cupery (Holland/Holland Christian HS) who had singled. Sophomore Jalen Bouma (Ann Arbor/Ann Arbor Huron HS) then scored from third third on an infield error by the Scots.

Alma was not done however as the Scots placed their first two runners aboard in the top of the seventh, driving Cupery from the mound and senior Jeff Victor (Holland/Holland Christian HS) on to attempt to save the game. Victor was unable to hold the lead however as the Scots scored three runs before Victor was able to get out of the inning.

Calvin struck right back as VanderWall reached base on a one-out error and moved to second on a single by freshman Colt Wolfe (Eaton Rapids/Eaton Rapids HS).  Senior Kyle Spoelma (Grand Rapids/South Christian HS) singled to load the bases.

The Scots were able to keep the bases loaded by striking out the next Calvin batter but junior Grant VanPutten (Holland/Holland Christian HS) then ripped a shot into the hole near second base on a 2-2 count that Alma's second baseman fumbled, allowing VanderWall to scamper home with the winning run.

Victor (3-0) picked up the win in relief while Van Putten and Spoelma both had two hits apiece.

In game two, Calvin scored a pair of unearned runs in the bottom of the first highlighted by a run-scoring double by Wolfe that brought home Cupery.

Alma touched Calvin starter Nate Schepers (Holland/Holland Christian HS) for a run in the third but Schepers allowed only one hit over the next three innings while Calvin picked up an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth on a sacrifice fly to center by Bouma.

In the seventh, Victor came on again in relief and gave up a leadoff single but closed the game out with a ground ball that led to a force out and then a second ground ball that led to a game-ending double play. Victor picked up the save in relief - his fifth of the year.

Calvin had nine hits in the win led by Schepel who was 3-for-3 with a double while VanderWall had a pair of hits as well.

Schepers got the win to improve to 3-2 on the year, striking out four and walking one.

"It was a good day," said Calvin baseball coach John Sparks. "We found a way to win two games and that's what it's all about at this stage of the conference season. We're starting to pick up some confidence and momentum. The challenge now will be to keep it going."

Calvin is back in action on Monday when it concludes its four-game series with Alma, traveling to Klenk Park for a conference twinbill slated to start at 2 p.m.