Fifth-ranked Johnson University (Tennessee) scored six runs in the top of the sixth inning to break open Friday's series opener with a 10-4 triumph against No. 2 Georgia Gwinnett College in Saturday evening's action at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.

The Grizzlies (31-4) got within a run, at 4-3, after junior second baseman Payton Fort hit a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth inning.

However, the visitors took advantage of three walks, two hit batters and two wild pitches, along with four well-placed hits, to score six runs in the top of the sixth inning. Christian Altamirano and Edwin Olmeda Jr. hit back-to-back RBI singles to right field to begin the productive frame. Luke Wilson followed with a two-run single up the middle that gave the Royals (28-5) an 8-3 lead.

Izaak Fernandez added a run-scoring single to right field before Braden Frank hit a fielder's choice with the bases loaded later in the sixth frame.

Fernandez gave Johnson a 3-1 lead with a three-run homer to left field in the fourth inning.

Fort paced GGC's 11-hit offensive attack by going 3-for-5 and driving in two runs from the leadoff spot in the team's batting order. Senior catcher Grant Pohlman joined junior third baseman JJ Garcia and junior first baseman Jackson Legg in collecting two hits in the contest.

Wilson registered three hits as Johnson's leadoff hitter, while Travis Hobbensiefken went 3-for-4 at the plate. Fernandez tallied two hits and drove in four runs for the Royals.
 
Coach's Corner
"This was not our best performance on the mound. Johnson played well and took advantage of the opportunities that were given to them. I'm excited to see how the team bounces back tomorrow. We will chew on this performance for a little bit but will come to the ballpark tomorrow with a new opportunity ahead of us," said Head Coach Tommy Goodale.
 
Turning Point
Johnson scored six runs in the top of the sixth inning to break open Friday's series opener. Leading 4-3 after GGC junior second baseman Payton Fort hit a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Royals registered four hits and took advantage of three walks, two hit batters and two wild pitches to take a commanding lead. Christian Altamirano and Edwin Olmeda Jr. hit back-to-back RBI singles before Luke Wilson added a two-run single up the middle that gave the visitors an 8-3 advantage.
 
Key Plays
Bottom of Second
Chris Tillery opened the scoring by coming home following a balk
 
Top of Fourth
Izaak Fernandez connected on a three-run home run to left field, giving the Royals a 3-1 lead
 
Bottom of Fifth
Payton Fort hit a two-run single up the middle that cut the deficit to 4-3
 
Top of Sixth
Christian Altamirano hit a run-scoring single to right field
Edwin Olmeda Jr. tallied an RBI single
Luke Wilson brought home a pair of runs with a single up the middle, giving Johnson an 8-3 lead
Izaak Fernandez added a run-scoring single
Braden Frank reached on a fielder's choice to cap a six-run frame
 
Inside The Numbers 

• Both teams registered 11 hits in Friday's series opener
• Junior second baseman Payton Fort went 3-for-5 and drove in a pair of runs from the leadoff spot in GGC's lineup
• The Grizzlies' pitching staff issued 10 walks
• GGC had seven steals; Johnson added six stolen bases

News & Notes 

• GGC drops to 31-4 this spring; Johnson improves to 28-5 in 2026
• The Grizzlies are ranked No. 2 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll; Johnson stood No. 5 in the same poll
• Geogia Gwinnett College leads the all-time series by a 3-1 margin
• GGC is 4-2 against teams featured in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll

Up Next 
Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to conclude the weekend series against No. 5 Johnson University (Tennessee) with a doubleheader on Saturday, April 4, at the Grizzly Baseball Complex, starting at 1 p.m.