The Traverse City Beach Bums jumped out to an early three-run lead and held on for a 6-3 victory in front of 7,183 fans at GCS Ballpark Sunday afternoon.
The 7,183 fans for American Heart Association Day were the ninth most in franchise history.
Traverse City (1-2) scored a run in the first on a Jeff DeBlieux solo home run and two in the second inning on a Jake Rhodes two-run home run to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
Gateway (2-1) answered with three runs in the fourth inning on a Michael Wing RBI single and a Ben Waldrip two-run single.
Jose Vargas broke the tie in the sixth inning with a solo home run to left field and Traverse City tacked on a run of insurance in the eighth and ninth innings to avoid the series sweep.
Andrew Aizenstadt (0-1) took the loss for Gateway, allowing five runs on four hits in six innings.
Tommy Richards paced the Grizzlies offense with two doubles.
The Grizzlies will have an off day Monday before starting a three-game series with the Joliet Slammers on Tuesday. It’s 101 ESPN Night, a Military Tuesday and the first MVP Program Night of the season. First pitch is set for 7:05.
