The No. 8 Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies battled through a slugfest in their home opener against Saint Francis (Ind.) this evening to pick up their fourth win of 2016, defeating the Cougars 14-8.
Georgia Gwinnett (4-0) jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning of play to take the early advantage. Left fielder Trey Haygood started the home opener with a rocket single to third base and later came around to score on a routine groundout hit by Josh Merrigan that ended with a throwing error by Saint Francis' Cole Gerardot. Up 1-0, the Grizzlies pushed two more runs across the plate when catcher Brady Shoppe sliced a single down the left field line.
The Cougars (0-1) responded in the top of the second with sixth runs of their own to garner the 6-3 lead over their ranked opponent.
After two half innings at the plate, GGC would tie the game at 6-6, then take the 7-6 lead heading into the top of the fifth. Notably, designated hitter Zac Rinehart lifted the first home run of the 2016 home slate at the Grizzly Baseball Complex over the right field fence in the bottom portion of the third.
Heading into the eighth, the score was once again knotted, 8-8. Georgia Gwinnett responded with an offensive fury in the bottom portion of the eighth to score six runs for the 14-8 advantage over the Cougars. This scoring barrage was partially contributed to three errors by the Cougars' defense.
With the 14-8 lead at his back, closer Jeremy Hutchison worked a scoreless ninth to hand the Grizzlies their fourth win of the season.
Reliever Davis Adkins (2-0) was credited with the win while Saint Francis' Steven Paulus was attributed the loss.
Shoppe led the Grizzlies at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three runs batted in.
"We caught ourselves over thinking the process tonight and learned from our mistakes, adjusted, and responded when it mattered the most," stated GGC head coach Brad Stromdahl. "At points, the close score forced us to respond and react to adversity, and I believe we handled it well. We're just four games into the season; there's a lot more baseball to play."
The Grizzlies are back in action Saturday afternoon as they host the Cougars in game two of the three game set. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The series finale is set for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at the Grizzly Baseball Complex. The first 100 fans Saturday will receive a 2016 spring sports poster while one lucky fan each game this year will win the Autobell Car Wash Grizzly Prize Pack.
Tickets for this weekend'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.
Game Day Central
Video coverage:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ggc/
Live stat links:
Saturday, Feb. 6: http://bit.ly/1Koq16q
Sunday, Feb. 7: http://bit.ly/1nEmlD5
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