Grizzlies Use Offensive Explosion to Win Third in a Row
July 12, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
SAUGET, Ill. - After falling behind 5-0 through two frames to the Florence Freedom on Thursday night, the Grizzlies dialed up an eight-run third inning that jump started a season-high 17 hits and an eventual 11-7 game one win.
Batting around, Gateway (26-23) served up seven straight hits on the way to reclaiming the lead in the pivotal third stanza. The inning saw 12 Grizzlies at-bats in the nine-hit, eight-tally flurry. Richie Jimenez Jr., who finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk, kicked off the outburst with a single, as Gateway speedster and All-Star Jonathan Johnson (2-for-5, two RBI) followed with an RBI triple to ignite the scoring frenzy.
Offensively the Grizzlies utilized a full team effort in the three hour and three minute exhibition downing of the Freedom (27-22). Seven members of the Grizzlies notched hits, while six individuals afforded multi-hit efforts. Outfielder Antone DeJesus went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a rope homerun that helped insure the victory. Jerod Yakubik stayed hot on the heels of his All-Star campaign, batting 3-for-5 with a run and RBI as well. DH John Shelby and outfielder Rogelio Noris also supplied production, finishing with 3-for-5 and 2-for-5 performances at the plate respectively.
Grizzlies' righty Ja'Vaun West (1-2) claimed the slugfest win on the mound, tossing two innings of two hit ball while allowing only one earned run and striking out two. Starter Max Whieldon lasted only four frames in his first home outing, as he was touched up for six earned runs on eight hits (four homeruns) and posted five strikeouts.
Freedom arm Ian Durham (0-1) was charged the loss, giving up two earned on four knocks in only one inning of labor.
The Grizzlies will return to GCS Ballpark Friday night night for game two of the three-game set as they battle the Freedom and look for another series win.
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Frontier League Stories from July 12, 2012
- Grizzlies Use Offensive Explosion to Win Third in a Row - Gateway Grizzlies
- Miners Acquire Ramirez from Normal - Southern Illinois Miners
- Slammers Return Home Monday for Six Games - Joliet Slammers
- Jr. RiverHawks Holding Tryouts August 7-8 - Rockford RiverHawks
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