Three-Run Eighth Inning Boosts GreyWolves to 4-1 Victory
June 30, 2016 - West Coast League (WCL)
Gresham GreyWolves News Release
BREMERTON, WA. - A three-run rally in the top of the eighth inning propelled the Gresham GreyWolves to a 4-1 win against the Kitsap BlueJackets on Wednesday night.
A single off the bat of cleanup hitter Konnor Zickefosse (Chapman) scored two runs to break a 1-1 tie in that eighth inning, and a productive groundout from Ryan Smith later in the frame gave Gresham (9-13) a much-needed insurance run. The victory marked the team's third win in its past four ballgames.
This game had pitcher's duel written all over it from the start as both starters cruised through the first two innings with just one total hit and zero runs allowed. The GreyWolves then got on the board first thanks to Jack Johnson (Washington) taking a walk with the bases loaded, but Kitsap battled right back by plating a single run in the home half of the third.
After the minor hiccups in that third frame, the pitching staffs continued to deal. Both starters worked into the seventh inning, with the game remaining knotted at 1-1 until Justin Barchus' club finally broke through in the eighth.
Left-hander Carter Buuck then came on in the bottom half of the inning to hold the lead that three-run lead, and he was followed out of the bullpen by Cal Poly product Michael Clark. Clark was able to set the BlueJackets down in order in his first appearance since last Saturday, obtaining his inaugural save of the season in the process.
Andrew Heideman (2-1) earned the win for Gresham after allowing just one run in seven innings of work, while Kitsap reliever Jordan Knoll (0-2) was credited with the loss.
With the win, the GreyWolves stayed alive in the race for the South Division's first half playoff spot. Just five contests remain in the first half of the season, and the team will look to continue their winning ways tomorrow in game two of their three-game set with the BlueJackets. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. at Gene Lobe Field.
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- Three-Run Eighth Inning Boosts GreyWolves to 4-1 Victory - Gresham GreyWolves
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