Grizzlies Edge Owls, Force Game 3
Published on August 9, 2011 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Forest City Owls News Release
FOREST CITY, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies defeated the Forest City Owls, 3-2, in Game 2 of the CPL Semifinals on Tuesday night at McNair Field. The Grizzlies tie the series, 1-1, and force a decisive Game 3 tomorrow night in Forest City.
Although both teams received strong performances from their starting pitchers, the bullpens were the protagonists of tonight's story. Forest City's Ryan Hander took the loss, giving up three runs on six hits and recording five strikeouts and four walks in 5 1/3 innings of action. Gastonia's Ben Carlson surrendered just one run on four hits in six innings, earning the victory.
Although Danny Healey pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings for the Owls in relief, the Grizzlies counted on a solid trio (Nate Steinmetz, Kris Hall, and Derek Epps) over the last three innings of the ballgame, allowing one run on two hits. Epps, the CPL's season leader in saves, earned the save this evening.
The Grizzlies struck first in the top of the second inning, when Grant Gajdosz squirted a single into left field that drove Dylan Nasiatka home. Gastonia presented a massive threat in the top of the fourth inning, loading the bases with nobody out. However, thanks to some crafty curveballs from Hander, they were only able to score one run, which came home when Jordan Lurie was hit by a pitch.
Gastonia took a 2-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth inning. Jordan Betts put the Owls on the board in the fifth frame by blasting a solo home run over the left field wall, cutting the Grizzlies' lead to 2-1. Gastonia was able to create a bit of separation in the following inning, when Lurie trickled a single into center field that drove Gajdosz home.
The Owls added a run in the bottom of the seventh on Buddy Sosnoskie's RBI single, but weren't able to puncture Hall and Epps in the eighth and ninth innings, delivering a 3-2 victory to Gastonia and forcing an elimination game tomorrow evening.
Michael Basil was the only Owl to record multiple hits, finishing 2-for-3. Gajdosz went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored, while Lurie finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs for Gastonia.
The CPL Semifinals continue tomorrow night, when the Owls host the Grizzlies in Game 3 of the second round at McNair Field. First pitch is set for 7:30 PM.
Coastal Plain League Stories from August 9, 2011
- Grizzlies Edge Owls, Force Game 3 - Forest City Owls
- Sharks Use Homers To Force Game Three In Edenton - Wilmington Sharks
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