Posted: Jun 02, 2017

BROWN POWERS GRIZZLIES TO 7-4 WIN

SAUGET, Ill. — The Gateway Grizzlies (4-15) rode their best hitting and pitching performances of the year — from Blake Brown and Will Landsheft, respectively — to a 7-4, series-opening victory over the River City Rascals (9-10) Friday night at GCS Credit Union Ballpark.

Brown drove a pair of three-run homers — one in the first inning, one in the fourth inning — over the right-field wall. He drove in six of the Grizzlies' seven runs and scored the final remaining tally in the sixth inning.

The two homers and six RBIs took Brown to six home runs and 20 RBIs on the season, both of which lead the Frontier League. He has started all 19 games for Gateway in 2017.

"That's the Blake I expect," Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said. "He's healthy now...you're seeing the Blake Brown we had two years ago."

The Grizzlies also got an exceptional effort from Landsheft (1-1) on the mound. He hurled seven innings, allowing only two earned runs on five hits. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter.

Zach Lavy added two hits, including the lone RBI that didn't come from Brown — although it drove him in. Matt Hearn also chipped in with two singles. Evan Rogers and Cody Livesay each had a hit and a run.

Every Grizzlies starter reached base at least once.

Gateway pitchers — Mike Elwood and Kaleb Earls, in addition to Landsheft — combined to strike out nine in the ballgame without a single walk. It was the first game this year in which the Grizzlies have not issued a walk.

River City's Braxton Martinez also blasted two home runs, but his only combined to drive in three runs.

The Grizzlies continue their three-game series with River City tomorrow night, then finish the set and six-game homestand on Sunday. Tomorrow's first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and can be heard on the Grizzlies Media Network.