FLORENCE, Ky. – The Gateway Grizzlies won their first series of the season on Sunday afternoon, cruising past the Florence Y’alls 8-4 at Y’alls Ballpark.
Unlike the first two games, Florence drew first blood. After Y’alls designated hitter Joe Lytle doubled to start the bottom of the 1st, Trevor Craport brought him home on an RBI single. This began a back and forth that went on through the third inning, with Grizzlies left fielder Nick Rotola, Y’alls third baseman Chad Sedio and Grizzlies first baseman Axel Johnson adding RBI singles of their own, leaving the game tied at 2 after three innings.
Meanwhile, Gateway LHP Jordan Barrett set down batter after batter despite allowing two runs, finishing his day with nine strikeouts in six innings.
Before Barrett went out for his last inning, though, he got some extra assurance. With Dylan Jones and Nick Rotola on base, Justin Jones roped his second homer in as many days to put the Grizzlies in front 5-2. Jose Rosario capped off the offense two innings later, adding his own three-run blast in the top of the 8th and pushing the cushion to 8-2.
Florence showed signs of late life in the 9th, cutting the Gateway lead to 8-4 after Joe Lytle scored on a Jose Rosario fielding error and Harrison DiNicola notched his first hit of the series on a single that plated Chad Sedio. It wasn’t enough, however, as Carter Hayes shut the door immediately after.
Since both runs scored after Rosario’s error, Hayes maintained his perfect 0.00 ERA. Barrett (1-3) earned his first win of the season while Florence LHP Jonaiker Villalobos (1-1) took his first loss.
The Grizzlies return to GCS Credit Union Ballpark on Monday night to start a four-game series with the Southern Illinois Miners. It will be the first regular season meeting in Sauget between the two foes. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m and you can listen live on YO Radio or watch on Frontier League TV. Coverage begins with the Budweiser Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m.
