JOLIET, Ill. – Joliet had no response to electric Gateway pitching on Friday night, as the Grizzlies blanked the Slammers 3-0 in the series opener at DuPage Medical Group Field.
After going through the first couple innings scoreless, Chase Vallot and Dustin Woodcock delivered back-to-back RBI singles in the top of the third to put Gateway in front 2-0.
Meanwhile, Grizzlies RHP Sam Gardner was dealing in his third professional start and excelled with his back against the wall. The rookie from Shelbyville, Tenn. stranded seven Slammer runners on base, five of them in scoring position.
Later, in the top of the sixth, Connor Owings hit his own RBI single to bring home the final run of the night.
Gardner (1-0) earned the win in his first professional decision after throwing six scoreless innings. Slammers LHP Mario Samuel (1-2) was charged with the loss. Geoffrey Bramblett (6) worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning to keep his record, save record and ERA perfect.
The Grizzlies and Slammers go at it again on Saturday night. First pitch at DuPage Medical Group Field is set for 6:05 p.m and you can listen live on YO Radio or watch on Frontier League TV. Coverage begins with the Budweiser Pregame Show at 5:50 p.m.
