06/22/2007

Grizzlies get off to good start, topple Beach Bums

Gateway scores four runs in first before making out

FROM STAFF REPORTS

SAUGET, Ill. — It didn't take the Gateway Grizzlies long to take charge in Thursday's afternoon game against the Traverse City Beach Bums.

Gateway slugged a pair of first-inning home runs en route to an 8-5 victory over the visiting Bums in the finale of a three-game series.

Jonathan Armitage had a three-run homer and Dustin Roberts followed with a solo shot off Traverse City starter Robbie McClellan (3-1).

Manny Paula led off the game with a single and Jesse Acosta was hit by a pitch. McClellan then surrendered the back-to-back homers before leaving due to an injury before an out was recorded.

Traverse City (12-17) rallied for three runs in the top of the fifth inning off Gateway starter Chris Little (3-1).

After a walk to J.T. Thomas and a single by Jeff Brown, Jeff Vincent delivered TC's first run with a single up the middle. Brad Vericker drove in the second run with a single and Lance Koenig had a RBI groundout later in the inning.

Gateway (20-9) came right back with two in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run homer by Charlie Lisk and tacked on two in the eighth on Paula's double down the right field line.

Traverse City scored its other two runs in the ninth on a two-run double by Koenig.

Vericker had three of the Bums' 12 hits while Brown, Vincent, Curtis Ledbetter and Zack Kalter had two. Paula had three hits to pace the Grizzlies' 10-hit attack while Armitage and Lisk contributed two.

Traverse City travels to the Missouri side of St. Louis today to take on the River City Rascals for a three-game set. Buddy Klovstad (0-3, 5.34 ERA) gets the start for the Bums and will be opposed by Steve Brook (4-2, 5.17).