For the second straight day the No. 3-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team recorded a split in a doubleheader against No. 22 Middle Georgia State University, winning the opener 12-1 before falling 11-5 in Saturday's nightcap.

The Grizzlies (12-6) used a 10-run sixth inning to break open the first contest. Junior catcher Austin Bates gave the hosts a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly. Senior left fielder Griffin Keller ignited the big sixth frame with a two-run single to extend the lead to 6-1. Freshman designated hitter Chase Evans added a three-run home run later in the frame.

Junior right-handed pitcher Kevin Kyle went the distance, recording seven strikeouts to improve to 3-1 on the season. He retired the first 13 batters in the game.

Junior shortstop Gabe Howell opened the game with a home run to left field.

In the second game, Keller connected on a solo home run in the first inning to give the hosts an early lead.

The Knights (13-6) responded with five runs in the second inning and added at least one run over the next four innings to build a 10-5 lead after the sixth inning.

Evans went 5-for-8 and scored three runs in Saturday's action. Junior center fielder Cord Johnson collected two hits in both games.


 
Turning Point
After Middle Georgia State successfully stole home in the fifth inning to tie the first game at 1-1, the Grizzlies quickly answered with an offensive outburst. A sacrifice fly from junior catcher Austin Bates gave the hosts a 2-1 lead. The, the team broke the game open with a 10-run sixth inning.
 
Key Plays
First Game
Bottom of First
Gabe Howell led off the game with a home run for GGC
 
Top of Fifth
Rafael Gomez Jr. successfully stole home to tie the game, 1-1
 
Bottom of Fifth
Austin Bates hit a sacrifice fly to score Gabe Howell as the Grizzlies regained the lead
 
Bottom of Sixth
Griffin Keller extended the lead to 6-1 with a two-run single
Chase Evans connected on a three-run home run during GGC's 10-run inning
 
Second Game
Bottom of First
Griffin Keller hit a solo home run to give the Grizzlies an early lead
 
Top of Second
Bucky McGlamrey gave the visiting Knights a 2-1 lead with a RBI groundout
Joel Ellis hit a two-run single as part of the team's five-run inning
 
Bottom of Third
Griffin Keller brought home Cord Johnson with an infield single
Austin Bates hit a sacrifice fly to trim the deficit to 6-3
 
Inside The Numbers

• GGC recorded 20 hits across Saturday's doubleheader
• Junior center fielder Cord Johnson collected two hits in both games
• Junior right hander Kevin Kyle struck out seven batters in the complete-game victory on the mound in the opener

News & Notes

• GGC stands 12-6 on the season; Middle Georgia State is 13-6 in 2021
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Top 25 preseason poll; Middle Georgia State stood No. 22 in the same poll
• The two teams split doubleheaders Friday and Saturday during the four-game weekend series
• Saturday's game one victory marked the Grizzlies' first win in Lawrenceville in the series

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host Cleary University (Michigan) on Friday, March 12, at 6 p.m. from the Grizzly Baseball Complex.