Grizzlies Sweep HiToms in Doubleheader

GASTONIA, N.C. – Chris Robinson’s hitting and a strong bullpen effort powered the Gastonia Grizzlies’ doubleheader sweep of the High Point-Thomasville HiToms as Gastonia won both games 4-3.

In game one, the HiToms (7-10) grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the second after Jared Allen (jr., Middle Tennessee State) scored from third on an error at second. The Grizzlies (13-4) responded in the bottom frame, however, as a two-base throwing error and an Anthony Dimino RBI groundout scored two runs and gave Gastonia a 2-1 lead.

After the Grizzlies added a run in the bottom of the fourth to push their lead to two, HiToms’ bats reawakened in the top of the fifth. Trailing 3-1, Glen Batson (rs fr., Clemson) and Spencer Mahoney (jr., Valparaiso) hit back-to-back doubles to slim the lead to one. Mahoney scored on an error three batters later to tie the score at three apiece. Gastonia took the lead back for good in the bottom half though as Chris Robinson smacked a RBI single to give the Grizzlies a 4-3 lead.

Gastonia reliever Logan Cook finished the sixth and the seventh to earn his first save of the year to support right-hander Jared Cheek’s (3-0) five-inning start. The HiToms’ Pat Dyer (1-2) is saddled with the loss after allowing four runs in five innings.

Game two didn’t start any better for the HiToms as Gastonia’s Robinson gave the Grizzlies an early 1-0 lead with his second RBI single of the doubleheader. The HiToms’ Batson tied the score in the top of the fourth crushing a solo homer – his first – to left field. However, the Grizzlies opened up the score in the bottom half. Three straight one-out singles loaded the bases before two runs scored on a throwing error from second and a third scored on Zach Daly’s sacrifice fly to right.

The Grizzlies took the 4-1 lead to the top of the seventh. Then after two straight one-out singles by Cody Brittain (so., USC Upstate) and Alec Paradowski (so., Wofford), Brittain scored from third on a wild pitch from Craig Pearcy. Then Des Roberts (rs jr., UNC-Charlotte) smacked a RBI single to center field with two out to cut the deficit to one. But Pearcy slammed the door with a strikeout and earned his seventh save of the season.

The HiToms return to Finch Field Wednesday for Shuler Meats Dollar Night to face the Asheboro Copperheads. First pitch is scheduled for 7pm.