Grizzlies Notch Fifth Straight Win to Take Series

by Press Release June 18, 2014

written by Press Release June 18, 2014

(Press Release, Photo Credit: Mick Lite)

Gateway starting pitcher Kerry Kelley picked up his first professional win and the Grizzlies edged the Southern Illinois Miners 3-2 for their fifth straight win Wednesday afternoon in front of 3,852 fans at GCS Ballpark.

Kelley (1-0), a 22-year-old left-hander, allowed just two runs (one earned) and four hits in five innings. The Palmdale, Calif. native struck out two and walked one in his first pro start to give the Grizzlies their seventh series win in their tenth series.

The only runs Kelley gave up came on a two-run throwing error that he committed in the first inning to give Southern Illinois a 2-0 lead.

Gateway (20-10) answered quickly in the third inning with three runs on three hits and one Miners error to take a 3-2 lead. Madison Beaird drove in a run on a single and Tommy Richards blasted a two-run go-ahead home run to give Gateway a 3-2 lead.

Beaird finished 2-for-3. Niko Vasquez also collected two hits.

The win gave the Grizzlies their seventh straight home win. They are now a league-best 14-3 at home.

The Grizzlies conclude their homestand Thursday night against the Miners. Right-hander Tucker Jensen (4-0) will get the start. First pitch is set for 7:05.