Grizzlies Drop Series Finale in Florence
Published on May 13, 2023 under Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release
Florence, KY - The Gateway Grizzlies again got an early lead on Saturday night against the Florence Y'alls at Thomas More Stadium, but could not hold it as the home team used a pair of homers to come back, then win the series finale by a final score of 8-3, denying Gateway a series sweep.
In the first inning, the first five Grizzlies reached base safely against Florence starter Jake McMahill, with Clint Freeman knocking a two-run single into the outfield to make it 2-0. Gateway had the bases loaded with still no one out later in the inning, but could not score any more runs, keeping Florence in the game.
Carson LaRue was sharp in his season-opener on the mound, striking out six batters and allowing just one hit in the first four innings. But he ran into trouble in the fifth, surrendering a leadoff walk to Andres Rios followed by a two-run home run by Brian Fuentes that tied the game at 2-2.
The Grizzlies got that run back in the top of the sixth thanks to a walk by Jairus Richards, an error on Florence shortstop Jeremiah Burks, and an RBI fielder's choice by Willie Estrada, taking a 3-2 lead into the bottom half. But after Nate Garkow got the first two batters out, he walked Cole Brannen, gave up a double to Rios, and walked Fuentes to load the bases. Zac Ryan then came in and gave up a go-ahead grand slam to Y'alls rookie first baseman Logan Mathieu, putting Florence ahead to stay at 6-3.
Florence would add two more runs to the board in the seventh for the final margin, as the Grizzlies settled for a series win two-games-to-one over their West Division rivals. Freeman led the charge at the plate, reaching base five times, going 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and two RBIs, while Estrada also had a pair of hits in the loss.
After days off on Sunday and Monday, the Grizzlies return to Sauget to begin their first home stand of 2023, hosting the Schaumburg Boomers and Ottawa Titans. It begins on Tuesday, May 16, against the Boomers, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m. CT. Joey Gonzalez will make his Gateway debut in the first game, opposed by the Boomers' Aaron Glickstein.
The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a mere 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis in Sauget, Illinois. The Grizzlies offer baseball fans affordable, family fun at Grizzlies Ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. They have also won two Frontier League Organization of the Year Awards, three West Division titles, and the 2003 Frontier League Championship. For tickets or general information, please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call (618) 337-3000.
The Frontier League debuted in 1993, and is the largest of the Major League Baseball Partner Leagues, featuring teams stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, and from the Ohio River to the St. Lawrence Seaway. More information and the complete 2023 schedule can be found at frontierleague.com.
Frontier League Stories from May 13, 2023
- Pitcher's Duel Goes to the Miners - Sussex County Miners
- Zach Smith's Gem Propels Otters to Season's First Win - Evansville Otters
- Wild Things Drop Middle Game - Washington Wild Things
- Y'alls Come from Behind for First Win of 2023 - Florence Y'alls
- Crushers Drop A Barnburner 2-1 - Lake Erie Crushers
- Grizzlies Drop Series Finale in Florence - Gateway Grizzlies
- Tri-City's Offense Back Johnson's First Professional Start - Tri-City ValleyCats
- Grizzlies Drop Series Finale in Florence - Gateway Grizzlies
- Boomers Capture Season Opening Series - Schaumburg Boomers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
