Tommy Goodale's era as head coach of the Georgia Gwinnett College baseball program got off to a rousing start with a 17-1 season-opening victory Thursday evening against Bryan College (Tennessee) at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

The No. 2-ranked Grizzlies (1-0) scored three runs in each of the first two innings and then added runs in three of the next six frames, including six tallies in the eighth inning.

Meanwhile, senior left hander Gavin LeBlanc scattered one hit and struck out seven batters across five scoreless innings in the starting effort that was spread across 55 pitches. Four pitchers combined for 13 strikeouts.

It all made for a successful coaching debut for Goodale, who earlier this month was named the third head coach in program's 14-year history.

"It has been a really fun two weeks. I'm a firm believer that you're not put into positions that you're not prepared for. I am appreciative of (former GGC head coach) Jeremy Sheetinger and Jeff Willis (LSU Eunice Head Coach) and everybody that I have been able to be around. They pushed me to be the best version of myself and prepared me for every moment that's ahead. My hats are off to the guys for accepting me. Now, we're building relationships that will help us in the future," said Goodale.

Junior Peyton Watts opened the scoring with a two-run double in the opening frame. Classmate JJ Garcia followed with an RBI single to give the hosts a quick 3-0 advantage.

Junior Payton Fort brought home a pair of runs with a single during the second inning.

One inning later, junior Jackson Legg lined an RBI single to give the Grizzlies a 7-0 lead. The team then pushed across four runs in the fifth inning as the lead grew to 11-0 and the six-run eighth inning closed out the scoring in the season opener.

Junior Jay O'Neill scored four runs as part of a 2-for-3 performance at the plate. Junior Trey Smith went 3-for-3 with two RBI and a pair of runs scored. Legg also tallied two hits as GGC registered 17 hits to score its 17 runs.


 
Coach's Corner
"It really is special to watch this hard-working group of guys. I thought we played up to GGC's high standard. It is good to get the first one (win) under our belt. Now, we will continue to work from there. Gavin (LeBlanc) has had two good weeks of preparation (pitching) and it was impressive to see him continue to attack the zone in his first start," said Head Coach Tommy Goodale.
 
Turning Point
The Grizzlies scored three runs in each of their first two innings to grab early momentum in the 2026 season opener. Junior Peyton Watts drove in two runs with an extra-base hit in the opening inning. Junior Payton Fort then collected a two-run RBI single in the second inning.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of First
Trey Smith opened the scoring by driving in a pair of runs with a double to left-center field
JJ Garcia followed with a run-scoring single to center field, giving GGC a 3-0 lead
 
Bottom of Second
Payton Fort collected a two-run single through the right side of the infield
Peyton Watts added an RBI double to cap another three-run frame
 
Bottom of Third
Jackson Legg hit a run-scoring single to right field that brought home Jay O'Neill
 
Bottom of Fifth
Peyton Watts lined a two-run single to right-center field to score GGC's 10th run of the contest
 
Bottom of Eighth
Dalton Miller drove in two runs with a single up the middle
Chris Tillery tallied an RBI single to right field
Vick Gann gave the Grizzlies a 16-1 lead with a run-scoring single to right field
 
Inside The Numbers

• GGC outhit Bryan by a 17-4 margin in Thursday's season opener
• Junior Peyton Watts went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs
• Junior Jay O'Neill scored four runs in the home triumph
• The Grizzlies collected four doubles

News & Notes

• GGC opened the 2026 campaign on Thursday; Bryan also had its season debut
• The Grizzlies were ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll
• Four GGC pitchers combined to strike out 13 batters
• Head Coach Tommy Goodale collected his first career head coaching victory

Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to conclude the season-opening series with a doubleheader against Bryan College (Tennessee) on Friday, January 30, at the Grizzly Baseball Complex, starting at 1 p.m.