Another game produced a different set of standout performances for the No. 3-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team, which concluded a 14-game home stand with an 8-4 victory Tuesday afternoon against Truett-McConnell University (Ga.) at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

Sophomore left fielder Cord Johnson went 3-for-3, with two runs scored, and junior catcher Gabe Austin connected on a two-run home run to lead the Grizzlies (11-3) to their seventh straight victory.

GGC pushed across a run in the first and second innings to grab an early lead, and then took a 5-0 lead in the fifth inning when senior Brody Wofford hit a two-run single.

Junior starting pitcher Hunter Caudelle went into the seventh inning in his first collegiate start. The right hander allowed just two hits and struck out four batters in picking up the win.

Truett-McConnell (6-6) scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to cut the deficit to 5-3. However, the hosts answered with three runs in the bottom half of the frame. Austin's homer was the big hit in the inning.
 


Coach's Corner
"Hunter Caudelle pitched really well. He put us in a position to win the game. Unfortunately, we gave up some hits in the seventh. Playing as many games as we are (four games in last three days), all of our starting pitchers have went at least six innings," said Head Coach Brad Stromdahl.
 
Turning Point
Truett-McConnell got within two runs, 5-3, after accounting for a three-run seventh inning. However, the momentum swung back in GGC's favor when junior Gabe Austin connected on a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the Grizzlies a commanding 7-3 lead.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of First
Ali LaPread opened the scoring with a RBI single that brought home C.J. Ballard
 
Bottom of Second
Nick Barnes stole third base and then advanced home following a throwing error
 
Bottom of Fifth
Brody Wofford extended GGC's lead to 5-0 with a two-run single
 
Bottom of Seventh
Gabe Austin hit a key two-run home run to give GGC a 7-3 lead
 
Inside The Numbers

• GGC tallied eight hits in the game
• Sophomore Cord Johnson went 3-for-3, with two runs scored
• Junior catcher Gabe Austin threw out three base runners besides hitting a home run at the plate
• Senior C.J. Ballard has scored three runs in each of the last two games

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 11-3 on the season; Truett-McConnell fell to 6-6 this spring
• Georgia Gwinnett College was ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll
• The Grizzlies have won seven straight games – all at home
• The team went 11-3 during its 14-game home stand to open the season

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College travels for the first time when it faces No. 17 Middle Georgia State University on Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m.