MOLESKY, HEARN PACE GRIZZLIES TO WIN

AVON, Ohio — The Gateway Grizzlies (7-19) jumped on top early against the Lake Erie Crushers (11-15) with seven runs in the first three innings and cruised to a 9-1 victory Saturday night at Sprenger Stadium to even the series at one game apiece.

After scoring one and driving in the other of Gateway's two runs in the first inning, Matt Hearn drove in three more in the second inning on his second triple of the season. He came in to score on a Lake Erie throwing error at the end of the play. Hearn finished the night 2-4 with five RBIs, two runs, a walk and a stolen base.

The Grizzlies provided more than enough offense for starter Vince Molesky (2-4), who threw seven innings and allowed only one run on four hits while striking out a season-high nine and walking just two. It was Molesky's third quality start of the year — he has three of the Grizzlies' four quality starts in 2017.

Gateway tallied 12 hits total and scored nine runs for the second straight night. Cody Livesay had two hits and two runs, Blake Brown singled twice and walked once and Anthony Caronia added two hits of his own.

Chase Simmons, in his third game with the Grizzlies, picked up his first two professional hits — both RBI singles. He was also hit by a pitch and scored a run.

Chad Gendron and Tanner Cable threw a perfect eighth and ninth inning, respectively, out of the bullpen. Gendron struck out two; Cable struck out one.

The Grizzlies improved to 2-3 on the road trip and have won four of their last eight games.

Gateway will finish its six-game road trip with a rubber match tomorrow against Lake Erie. Sunday's contest is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. CDT. Fans can hear all the action on the Grizzlies Media Network.