The No. 2-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to defeat Lindsey Wilson University (Kentucky) by an 8-3 score in Friday's Senior Day game at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

The Grizzlies (38-5) recognized the contributions of 13 senior student-athletes in pregame festivities.

One of those honored seniors, pitcher Shane Anderson, struck out seven batters and scattered three hits across seven strong innings to improve his record to 5-0 on the season. Senior left-hander Jake Cothran added three more strikeouts during the final two innings.

Meanwhile, junior second baseman Payton Fort lined a bases-clearing triple to right field that gave the hosts a 5-1 lead in the fourth inning. Junior shortstop Peyton Watts followed with an RBI double to cap the decisive four-run frame.

Watts connected on a solo home run in the bottom of the first inning to tie the contest at 1-1. Fort added an infield RBI single with two outs that allowed junior first baseman Jackson Legg to score from second base for a 2-1 lead in the second inning.

Junior right fielder Jay O'Neill smashed a two-run home run in the seventh inning. He went 3-for-4 and scored twice in the triumph.

Junior designated hitter Lance Bratlien, Fort and Watts each registered two hits as the Grizzlies tallied 12 hits in the weekend series opener.


 
Coach's Corner
"This senior class has been a big part of what we have done so far this season. They made my job, with the coaching transition, easier because they are good people. This program is about its people and these seniors have left GGC better than they found it. I was pleased with how we took advantage of scoring situations in the fourth inning," said Head Coach Tommy Goodale.
 
Turning Point
The Grizzlies had consecutive extra-base hits in the bottom of the fourth inning to build a decisive 6-1 advantage. Junior second baseman Payton Fort cleared the bases with a triple to right field. Junior shortstop Peyton Watts followed with an RBI double to left field.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of First
Peyton Watts connected on a solo home run to right field that tied the game at 1-1
 
Bottom of Second
Payton Fort hit an infield RBI single, scoring Jackson Legg from second base with two outs to give GGC a 2-1 lead
 
Bottom of Fourth
Payton Fort had a triple with the bases loaded
Peyton Watts legged out an RBI double, extending the team's lead to 6-1
 
Bottom of Seventh
Jay O'Neill hit a two-run home run
 
Inside The Numbers 

• The Grizzlies outhit Lindsey Wilson by a 12-6 margin
• Junior right fielder Jay O'Neill hit his seventh home run, tying for the team lead
• Senior starting pitcher Shane Anderson struck out seven batters across seven innings in Friday's series opener
• Junior second baseman Payton Fort drove in four runs as part of a 2-for-4 performance

News & Notes 

• GGC improves to 38-5 in 2026; Lindsey Wilson drops to 17-24 this spring
• The Grizzlies are ranked No. 2 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll
• Georgia Gwinnett College leads the all-time series between the programs 17-3, including 4-0 so far this season
• Friday's Senior Day had the GGC baseball program honoring seniors Shane Anderson, Jake Cothran, Clay Cox, Wilbert Espinal, Ashton Fuselier, Caiden Johnson, Christian Johnson, Carson Judd, Gavin LeBlanc, Max Miller, Grant Pohlman, James Sells, and Coleman Willis

Up Next 
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host Lindsey Wilson University (Kentucky) on Cody Butler Day on Saturday, April 18, at the Grizzly Baseball Complex, starting at 1 p.m.