The No. 4-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team started the weekend by getting back to its winning ways with a 7-1 victory against Middle Georgia State University on Friday night at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

The Grizzlies (21-3) used a five-run sixth inning to pull away from the visiting Knights (14-11).

Senior Paul Winland Jr. hit an RBI double to center field to give the hosts a 4-0 advantage. Classmate Jon Ponder added a two-run single to center field that capped the productive offensive frame.

Senior starting pitcher Ben Harris struck out six batters and scattered eight hits across seven productive innings to improve his record to 5-0 for the season.

"Ben really competed well today. He's had a lot of success here (at GGC) but he's also been successful against Middle Georgia State throughout his career. He did a great job knowing how to pitch to their hitters and setting the tone for the weekend," said Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger.

Senior reliever Wyatt Dodgens tossed the final two innings, striking out the first two batters he faced in the strong bullpen performance.

Seniors Braxton Meguiar and Kyle Norton joined junior Alex Harrell in collecting two hits apiece in the victory.

Both teams are scheduled to square off in a doubleheader tomorrow on Middle Georgia State's diamond in Cochran, Georgia.


 
Coach's Corner
"I liked the way that we pitched and took care of the baseball. We did a good job of creating some pressure (in the sixth inning). It sped them up a little bit and created some opportunities for us to separate (on the scoreboard)," said Head Coach Jeremy Sheetinger.
 
Turning Point
A five-run sixth inning allowed GGC to grab a 6-0 advantage. Senior Paul Winland Jr. lined an RBI double to center field that plated the second run of the frame. Classmate Jon Ponder added a two-run single to center field.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of Third
Kyle Norton lined an RBI single through the left side of the infield to give GGC a 2-0 lead
 
Bottom of Sixth
Paul Winland Jr. hit a run-scoring double that brought home Scott Seeker
Jackson Cobb scored on a wild pitch to extend the lead to 5-0
Jon Ponder added a two-run single to center field, capping the five-run frame
 
Inside The Numbers

• Middle Georgia State outhit the Grizzlies by an 11-10 margin
• Seven different GGC players successfully stole a base in the game
• Senior Braxton Meguiar recorded five putouts and two assists from his second base defensive position
• Three different Grizzlies tallied at least two hits in Friday's victory

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 21-3 in 2025; Middle Georgia State is now 14-11 this spring
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 4 in the first regular-season NAIA Top 25 poll
• Georgia Gwinnett College leads the series with Middle Georgia State by a 13-8 margin, including a 6-4 edge in games played in Lawrenceville
• The team stands 19-1 at home this spring

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to travel to Middle Georgia State University for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 15, in Cochran, Georgia, starting at 2 p.m.