Box Score

The Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team couldn't overcome four defensive errors in dropping its Avista-NAIA World Series opener 5-3 to No. 7-seeded Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) Sunday afternoon.

The red-hot Lions (45-14), winner of nine straight and 30 of their last 32 games, scored five unanswered runs after GGC jumped out to an early lead.

The Grizzlies (48-11) struck for two runs in the first inning and added another run in the second inning. Freshman Nick Barnes opened the scoring with a RBI single to bring home freshman Walter Coursey. A wild pitch allowed senior Marcus McCorkle to score the second run of the inning.

The No. 2-seeded team took a 3-0 lead in the second inning on a run-scoring double from junior Jordan Tylski.

Freed-Hardeman got five straight hits with one out in the fifth inning to tie the game at 3-3. Then, two fielding errors in the seventh inning allowed the Lions to take the lead for good. A wild pitch and a sacrifice fly scored the two runs.

The Grizzlies attempted a rally in the ninth inning as three walks loaded the bases. However, Freed Hardeman relief pitcher Beau Caviness got a strikeout to secure the victory.

GGC will play No. 4-seeded Oklahoma City University in an elimination game Monday, May 28, at 11:30 a.m. EDT.

Turning Point

Freed-Hardeman took advantage of two errors in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a 3-3 contest. A wild pitch allowed the first run of the frame to score. During the same at bat, Aden Campbell gave the Lions a 5-3 lead with a sacrifice fly.

Key Plays

Top of First

Nick Barnes connected on a run-scoring single to bring home Walter Coursey for the first run of the game

Marcus McCorkle scored on a wild pitch to give GGC a quick 2-0 lead

 

Top of Second

Jordan Tylski lined a RBI double to score Brandon Frazier from first base

 

Bottom of Fifth

Bryce Lester hit a RBI single to score the first of the Lions' three runs in the inning

Josh Sears tied the game, 3-3, with a run-scoring single

 

Bottom of Seventh

Bryce Lester scored on a wild pitch to give the Lions a 4-3 lead

Aden Campbell hit a sacrifice fly to score an insurance run

 

By The Numbers

• Both teams collected five hits in the game
• The two runs scored by Freed-Hardeman in the seventh inning were unearned
• GGC shortstop Jordan Tylski had two hits and drove in a run
• GGC hitters drew seven walks in the contest

News & Notes

• Georgia Gwinnett College falls to 48-11 on the season; Freed-Hardeman improves to 45-14 this spring; Freed-Hardeman has won nine straight games and 30 of its last 32 games
• The Grizzlies are making their second appearance in the World Series; the team also advanced to Lewiston, Idaho in 2014
• GGC was playing its first game of the 2018 World Series and first game since winning the NAIA Opening Round Lawrenceville Bracket May 16; Freed-Hardeman defeated No. 10-seeded University of Northwestern Ohio 6-1 on the first day (May 25) of the World Series
• Freed-Hardeman leads the all-time series 3-1 after playing a series in 2017
• Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 2 in the final regular-season NAIA Top 25 poll

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College plays No. 4-seeded Oklahoma City University Monday, May 28, at 11:30 a.m. EDT in an elimination game.