The No. 3-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team scored three runs in the ninth inning, but that wasn't enough as the Grizzlies lost 6-4 to No. 1 Southeastern University (Fla.) in Friday's season opener at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

GGC's late rally was assisted by two defensive errors by the Fire, which enjoyed a 6-1 lead in the bottom of the final frame. A throwing error allowed senior Alex Garland to score the first run of the late rally. A base hit from senior Onassis Matos then cut the deficit to 6-3. Another throwing error, following a fly out, brought home another run to trim the lead to 6-4.

PHOTOS

The hosts brought the game-tying run to the plate, but a ground out ended the threat.

Georgia Gwinnett College trailed when last year's NAIA national champions scored a run in the first inning. However, a run-scoring single from sophomore Preseason All-American Cam Coursey tied the game, 1-1, in the third inning.

Southeastern (2-1) got a solo home run from Ivan Nunez in the top of the fourth inning to regain the lead for good, 2-1. The Fire added two runs in each of the eighth and ninth innings to build the 6-1 advantage.

The Grizzlies registered nine hits in the game, led by Coursey's two hits.


 
Turning Point
The visitors stretched its lead to 4-1 in the eighth inning by scoring two runs in the fame. A throwing error on a pickoff attempt allowed for the first run to score. A two-out base hit by pitch hitter Colton Onstott gave Southeastern a three-run lead. The Fire added two more runs in the ninth inning to push their lead to 6-1.
 
Key Plays
Top of First
Abdel Guadalupe doubled to left field to score the first run of the contest
 
Bottom of Third
Cam Coursey tied the game, 1-1, with a run-scoring single to right field
 
Top of Fourth
Ivan Nunez connected on a home run to give the Fire a 2-1 lead
 
Top of Eighth
Colton Onstott delivered a two-out base hit to begin a two-run inning for Southeastern
 
Bottom of Ninth
Onassis Matos hit a single through the right side to cut the deficit to 6-3
A throwing error following a fly out allowed Brenton Burgess to score, closing the gap to 6-4
 
Inside The Numbers

• The Grizzlies collected nine hits in the game
• Sophomore Cam Coursey, a NAIA Preseason All-American, recorded a team-high two hits in the opener
• Three GGC pitchers combined for eight strikeouts
• Senior Alex Garland and sophomore Nick Barnes each had a stolen base

News & Notes

• GGC drops to 0-1 on the season; Southeastern improves to 2-1 this spring
• Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll; Southeastern stood No. 1 in the poll and is the defending NAIA national champion
• The Grizzlies are 5-2 all-time in season-opening contests
• GGC leads the all-time series 5-1
• This was the first of 16 straight home games for GGC that's scheduled at the Grizzly Baseball Complex this season

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College concludes the weekend series against Southeastern with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 2, starting at noon, at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.