Grizzlies Win Series against CornBelters; Magic Number Is Five

August 25, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Gateway Grizzlies News Release

SAUGET, IL - The Gateway Grizzlies bullpen fired five and a third strong innings to help the Grizzlies defeat the Normal CornBelters 4-2 Saturday night at GCS Ballpark.

The win was the fifth in a row for the Grizzlies, who are 28-13 in the second half of the season. The win reduced the Grizzlies magic number to clinch the West Division to five.

Ja'Vaun West (5-2) pitched two and a third scoreless innings in relief of starter, Brett Zawacki. West picked up the win after allowing no runs and one hit. The right-hander from Atlanta, MO struck out four and walked only one batter.

Logan Mahon and Zac Treece both pitched a scoreless relief inning, while Richard Barrett picked up his 17th save of the season.

Gateway (53-36) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Jonathan Johnson and Chris McClendon led off the inning with singles and after a double steal, both runners scored on a throwing error by Normal (28-61) catcher, Trey Manz.

Alex Guthrie picked up an RBI double in the fourth and Jerod Yakubik drove in a run on a single in the sixth to finish off the Grizzlies scoring.

Three of the four runs the Grizzlies scored were unearned.

Gateway compiled only five hits in the contest with no player recording more than one. Jonathan paced the Grizzlies with a single, three walks and five stolen bases.

The first-place Grizzlies look for the sweep Sunday night against the Normal CornBelters. Right-hander Chris Enourato (4-4) makes the start for the Grizzlies. First pitch is set for 6:05 CT.

Playoff tickets are now on sale through the Grizzlies Ticket Office. To get tickets, call 618.337.3000 or go online to gatewaygrizzlies.com.

Frontier League Stories from August 25, 2012

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