The No. 2-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team recorded its 31st victory of the season, defeating Reinhardt University 8-1 Tuesday night at the Grizzly Baseball Complex to complete a home-and-home series between the two Georgia-based NAIA teams.

A day after defeating the Eagles 6-0 Monday, GGC (31-8) scored early and often in the rematch. A triple by freshman Nick Barnes accounted for two of the team's four runs in the first inning.

Junior Alex Garland led off the third inning with his seventh home run of the season. A fielding error allowed senior Marcus McCorkle to touch home later in the inning, giving the Grizzlies a 6-1 lead. The team added another run in the third inning on a RBI ground out from junior Onassis Matos.

Georgia Gwinnet College got strong pitching performances for the second straight game. Five pitchers combined to allow two hits and one run, and had 10 strikeouts – a night after junior Gregory Loukinen tossed the program's first no-hitter.

This time, junior starter Jonathan McKinney had five quality innings on the mound for his second victory of the season. Freshman Michael Cherwenka, senior Cole Uvila, junior Matthew Swain and senior Taylor Folsom each registered a scoreless inning in relief.

Garland led the offensive attack by going 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Junior C.J. Ballard and freshman Walter Coursey added multiple-hit performances among the Grizzlies' 13-hit performance.

Turning Point

The Grizzlies took the lead for good with a triple from freshman Nick Barnes in the bottom of the first inning. He lined a base hit deep down the right field line that scored freshman Walter Coursey and junior Alex Garland – putting GGC on top 3-1. The team ended the first inning with a 4-1 lead and added three more runs in the third inning to break the game open.

Key Plays

Bottom of First

Alex Garland laid down a perfect bunt for an infield single that scored C.J. Ballard to tie the game at 1-1

Nick Barnes lined a triple down the right-field line to give the hosts a 3-1 lead

Bottom of Third

Alex Garland led off the frame with a home run

A defensive fielding error allowed Marcus McCorkle to score from third base to give GGC a 5-1 lead

Bottom of Fifth

Onassis Matos brought home Marcus McCorkle with a RBI ground out to cap the scoring

By The Numbers

• GGC outhit Reinhardt 13-to-5 in the game
• The Grizzlies' five pitchers combined for 10 strikeouts, led by reliever Jonathan McKinney with four punch outs
• Alex Garland recorded nine putouts at first base
• C.J. Ballard, Walter Coursey and Alex Garland each had two hits in the game

News & Notes

• Georgia Gwinnett College improves to 31-8 on the season; Reinhardt falls to 28-13 in 2018
• GGC is ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Top 25 poll; Reinhardt is receiving votes from the nationwide panel of coaches
• GGC swept the season's home-and-home series between the two teams, outscoring the Eagles 14-to-1 during the last two days
• The Grizzlies are 22-2 at home this spring

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to open a three-game series against Lindenwood University-Belleville (Ill.) Friday, April 13, with a single nine-inning contest starting at 6 p.m. from the Grizzly Baseball Complex.