Behind the 3-for-5 performance by center fielder Josh Merrigan, the No. 8 Georgia Gwinnett baseball team continued its best start in program history improving to 9-0 Saturday defeating Williams Baptist (Ark.) 9-3 for the series sweep.
Merrigan, who was named Grizzly of the Day on back-to-back days, tied GGC's single-game record, hitting three doubles in the game. The Marietta native drove in three runs on the afternoon and also scored twice.
After two scoreless innings, the Grizzlies broke the silence scoring the first run of the ballgame when Merrigan ripped a double down the right field line, scoring left fielder Trumon Jefferson. Previously, Jefferson reached base when he was hit by a pitch.
Williams Baptist (3-5) responded with a run in the top of fourth to tie the game at 1-1. Center fielder Ryan Shelton walked and then came around to score on a one out double to left by first baseman Eric Kent. Georgia Gwinnett regained the lead in the bottom of the fourth when third baseman William Paschal lifted a sacrifice fly to deep right, scoring designated hitter Zac Rinehart. Rinehart's chopper to first earlier in the inning was misplayed, allowing him to reach safely.
Once again, the Eagles' offense fired back to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the fifth. As the second batter in the inning, catcher Tanner Murray was hit by a pitch. Brennan Pugh, who came on as a courtesy runner for Murray, advanced to second on a grounder by right fielder Alex Camp, and then scored on a single to left by second baseman Tucker Smith.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Grizzlies regained the lead and held it for the remainder of the contest. With one out in the inning, Merrigan lifted his second double of the afternoon to deep right field. On a 1-0 pitch, right fielder Kyler Timmerman connected with a single to right that moved Merrigan to third. WBC's Smith overthrew the cutoff man, allowing Merrigan to score the third Grizzly run of the game.
The Grizzlies continued their offensive assault in the sixth. GGC scored five runs on five hits and gained the 8-2 lead over the visiting Eagles. Merrigan's record tying double was a piece of the Grizzlies' two-out, five run rally that featured hits by catcher Jean Paul Rodriguez, Jefferson, Rinehart, and Angel Soto as well. GGC would plate its ninth and final run of the game in the bottom of the eighth off a grounder to short by Soto. Soto's chopper scored left fielder Trey Haygood. Earlier in the inning, Haygood reached on a single then stole second and third to move into scoring position.
Down to their final three outs, the Eagles attempted a comeback, but fell short, scoring just one run in the top of the ninth.
With the 9-3 victory, GGC starter Tyler Oglesby (1-0) picked up the win while Williams Baptist's Braxton Rhodes (1-1) was credited with the loss.
"It was good to pick up our third sweep in a row to begin the season," stated GGC head coach Brad Stromdahl. "We continue to gain opportunities to get our guys some valuable experience at the plate, on the mound, and in the field during each game, and that's something that we value. We have some things here and there we will address in practice this week, but overall, I'm happy with this weekend's effort."
No. 8 Georgia Gwinnett returns to the Grizzly Baseball Complex Wednesday afternoon as the Grizzlies host No. 14 Tennessee Wesleyan for a single game. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m.
Tickets for Wednesday's action are $5 per game for adults, $3 for youth, seniors, and military, and free for children under five. All members of the GGC community receive free admission with their Claw Card. Season ticket packages are also on sale for all regular season contests. For more information on ticketing, click here. Free game day parking is available in the deck at the entrance to the GGC campus.
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