The eighth-ranked Georgia Gwinnett baseball team posted 20 runs in its 20-11 victory over Viterbo (Wis.) on Monday afternoon to pick up its 22nd consecutive victory of the 2016 season.
The Grizzly bats collected 16 hits in the win with three of those leaving the Grizzly Baseball Complex. Third baseman Angel Soto (two-run home run) and first baseman Brady Hamilton (solo home run) went yard while designated hitter Zac Rinehart capped off a seven-run first inning with a grand slam over the right field fence. Rinehart, who was named GGC's Grizzly of the Day, went 2-for-2 from the plate, driving in five runs, walked once, and scored on three occasions.
"Our bats got hot tonight and that's what we are always looking to have," stated GGC head coach Brad Stromdahl. "We want to score early and often and carry that momentum throughout the game. The goal is to stay hot and keep the guys' focus, gain experience, and learn from our opportunities."
Viterbo (2-6) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning before the Grizzlies retaliated with seven runs in the bottom frame.
GGC continued its offensive assault in the second inning, pushing four runs across the plate to take the 11-4 lead. An RBI-triple by second baseman Jereid Woods and an RBI-double by catcher Brady Shoppe were key contributions for the Grizzlies in the four-run frame.
The hosts continued to widen the gap, scoring a run in both the third and fourth innings before the V-Hawks' offense produced a five-run frame in the top of the fifth to narrow GGC's lead to 13-9.
Over the next four innings, relievers Austin Smith, Michael Royal, Trevor Bradley and Davis Atkins combined for four hits that allowed two final Viterbo runs to score. Starter Tyler Oglesby picked up the victory, striking out five batters while surrendering four runs on five hits in his four innings of work.
The Green and Gray offense drove in seven runs in its final two innings at the plate en route to the 20-11 victory.
GGC also swiped seven bases on Monday, bringing its NAIA-leading season total to 115.
Georgia Gwinnett is back on the diamond on Thursday when it opens up its four-game set against Madonna (Mich.). Currently, the Crusaders are receiving votes nationally in the NAIA Coaches Poll. First pitch from the Grizzly Baseball Complex is set for 6 p.m.
Tickets for each game are $5 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. 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 (Thursday and Friday only):
http://portal.stretchinternet.com/ggc
Live stats links:
March 10: http://bit.ly/24N4nQm
March 11 - Game 1: http://bit.ly/1M3D7kZ
March 11 - Game 2: http://bit.ly/1OY1DEb
March 12: http://bit.ly/1M3DagF
For all the latest on Grizzly Athletics, including news, scores and features, visit GrizzlyAthletics.com. Check out all the latest Grizzly Baseball content and join the conversation by using #GGCBaseball on Twitter.
