The third-ranked Georgia Gwinnett baseball team rebounded from its lone loss of the season against Madonna (Mich.) Saturday, to pick up its 26th win on Thursday, defeating Ohio State University-Lima 12-6.
With the victory, the Grizzlies lead the all-time series against the Barons 13-0.
Sophomore second baseman Jabari Gayle tied the GGC record for doubles in a single game, recording three against the Barons. Gayle now shares the record with Jake Fields, who also collected three doubles against Saint Francis (Ill.) on May 2, 2014. Earlier in the season, center fielder Josh Merrigan also tied the single-game record with three doubles against Williams Baptist (Ark.) on Feb. 13.
"Tonight, we had the opportunity to regain our focus and get back in the win column," stated GGC head coach Brad Stromdahl. "Jabari had a great individual effort tying the school record for doubles in a single game. We had quality at bats from several guys tonight, and it was good to see our guys gain experience at different spots in the lineup and on the field."
The Barons scored first, taking a 2-0 lead with a run in both the first and second innings. Georgia Gwinnett broke its offensive silence in the bottom of the second, scoring five runs for the 5-2 lead. Shortstop Marcus McCorkle led the inning off with a single, stole second and third base, and then scored the first Grizzly run with Gayle's first double of the game. Three pitches later, catcher Jean Paul Rodriguez drove in the second GGC run of the inning with an RBI-single to left field. First baseman Chris Aichinger added to the scoring run with an RBI-single while a sacrifice fly by Michael Hodorowski and an RBI-single by third baseman Angel Soto concluded the five-run inning.
OSU-Lima pulled within two runs, 6-4, scoring a run in the third and fourth innings and then tied the game at 6-6 with a two-run seventh. Designated hitter Shannon Conway provided the tying, two-run single for the Barons.
The Grizzlies regained the lead and widened the gap to 11-6 with a five-run eighth inning. Three Baron errors and five timely hits by Georgia Gwinnett pulled the Grizzlies ahead.
GGC would plate an insurance run in the eighth inning before closer Jeremy Hutchison shut the Barons down in the ninth.
Reliever Michael Royal picked up the win for Georgia Gwinnett, going two and two-thirds innings of relief. OSU-Lima's Luke Jackson was credited with the loss as the Grizzlies grabbed the 12-6 win.
The same two teams face off on Friday in doubleheader action starting at 1:00 p.m.
On Friday, the Grizzlies will host Military Appreciation Day during the second game of GGC's doubleheader against the Barons. At 4:00 p.m., the Grizzlies will offer free admission to all active duty and military veterans.
Georgia Gwinnett has teamed up with C.O.V.E.R.T., a GGC student organization that assists veterans in their transition to a successful college career, and the Lawrenceville Veterans Center for this event and looks to recognize and thank all military personnel for their service.
In a pregame ceremony, the Grizzlies will welcome military personnel for a ceremonial first pitch along with a full color guard presentation for a live singing of the National Anthem.
Game Day Central
Live Video coverage, starting 15 minutes prior to First Pitch, provided by the Grizzly Digital Network:
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ggc/
Live stats links:
March 18 – Game 1: http://bit.ly/1U8XcOC
March 18 – Game 2: http://bit.ly/1RXcEu7
March 19: http://bit.ly/1WhMi7g
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