The No. 3-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team completed an impressive three-game series sweep against No. 9 Freed-Hardeman University (Tennessee) with a commanding 8-3 victory Saturday, February 13, at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

The Grizzlies (4-2) collected 11 hits, led by the team's 2-3-4 hitters in the lineup. That trio combined for six of those 11 hits and scored four of the eight runs.

Meanwhile, three GGC pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts in the series finale.

Junior designated hitter Livingston Morris gave the hosts a 2-1 lead with a two-run home run in the first inning. He went 2-for-3 and scored twice in the game. Later, sophomore third baseman Jake Defries capped the strong offensive display by connecting on a three-run homer to right field in the sixth inning. That gave the Grizzlies their eventual 8-3 victory margin.

Junior catcher Austin Bates provided GGC some cushion with a two-run single in the third inning, when the team scored three runs to take a 5-1 lead.

On the mound, junior right hander Gavin Heltemes scattered five hits across 4.1 innings to improve to 2-0 on the season. Junior reliever Kevin Kyle struck out five opposing batters in 2.2 innings. Sophomore Jonathan Haab retired all six batters he faced over the final two innings to seal the victory.


  "This (weekend) was a really good measuring stick for our group. It was good to see our guys battle offensively throughout this game. The way we pitched was nothing short of impressive. We have gained some momentum as we move forward into our season," said Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger.
  Leading 2-1 in the third inning, the Grizzlies created some separation with a three-run inning to take a commanding 5-1 advantage. Junior catcher Austin Bates lined a two-out, two-run single to center field. Junior Livingston Morris would later steal third and score on a throwing error.
  Bottom of First
Livingston Morris connected on a two-run home run
 
Bottom of Third
Austin Bates lined a two-run single to center field to give GGC a 4-1
 
Bottom of Sixth
Jake Defries hit a three-run home run to right field
 

• The Grizzlies outhit Freed-Hardeman by a 11-7 margin in the contest
• GGC registered seven stolen bases
• Three GGC pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts, led by five from junior reliever Kevin Kyle
• GGC's 2-3-4 hitters combined for six of the team's hits and scored four runs

• GGC improved to 4-2 in 2021 and has won its last four games; Freed-Hardeman stands 2-5 this spring
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Top 25 preseason poll; Freed-Hardeman  stood No. 9 in the same national poll
• The series history between the two programs is now tied at four wins apiece

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host Truett-McConnell University (Georgia) in a single nine-inning contest on Friday, February 19, at the Grizzly Baseball Complex, starting at 3 p.m.