EARLY OFFENSE NOT ENOUGH TO CARRY GRIZZLIES

SAUGET, Ill. — The Gateway Grizzlies found some offense early on Sunday night, but couldn't keep the momentum going as Florence finished the series sweep with a 6-4 win.

The Grizzlies took their first lead of the series (1-0) in the bottom of the first after Blake Brown laced a single through the right side of the infield to bring in Evan Rogers. Florence then answered in the top of the second with an RBI single by Ozzy Braff and then a two-RBI base hit by Daniel Fraga.

Grizzlies added one more in the bottom of the second after Cody Livesay brought in Sam Fischer with a two-out single. Florence added a few insurance runs in the third and fourth innings, breaking the game open with a 6-2 lead.

Grizzlies' shortstop Garrett Mattlage attempted to start a two-out rally in the ninth after he hit a clutch two-RBI single to bring Gateway within two. Craig Massoni fought through four pitches, but struck out to end the ballgame. Florence out hit the Grizzlies 14 to seven en route to a 6-4 victory on Mother's Day.

Florence's lineup remained disciplined throughout the series, forcing 18 total walks through three games, including nine alone in the series finale.

Cody Gray picked up the win, pitching through five innings and giving up two runs (one earned), allowing just one walk and picking up five strikeouts. Grizzlies starter Dylan Craig was replaced with two outs in the top of the fourth inning. He finished with six runs given up (three earned) on eight hits. He picked up three strikeouts and walked seven. 

Phil Warren expressed his thoughts on what aspects of the game his team needs to improve on going into Normal on Tuesday.

"We need to have a feel for the game and start being proactive and not reactive," said Warren. "More importantly, some guys just need to relax and play the game."

Grizzlies will get a day off on Monday as they prepare for a six-game road trip beginning on Tuesday, May 16th. Gateway will play three against the Normal Cornbelters (1-2) and then will travel to Evansville for a three-game series against the Otters (1-2) beginning on May 19th. All of the action can be heard on the Grizzlies Media Network.