Posted: Jun 25, 2017

FLORENCE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF EARLY OFFENSE, GRIZZLIES FALL IN SERIES FINALE

SAUGET, Ill – The Gateway Grizzlies surrendered seven runs in the first four innings at GCS Credit Union Ballpark on Sunday night. Florence completed the weekend sweep with a 10-6 victory.

Gateway starter Ja'Vaughn West allowed the leadoff hitter to reach base in the first, third and fourth innings. Florence took advantage, scoring at least two runs in each of those innings.

West walked the first two batters of the game and committed a throwing error, allowing Florence to score their first run of the game. Florence added another in the first on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Collins Cuthrell.

After the Grizzlies cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second, Florence added three runs on a three-run home run by Andre Mercurio. Florence led 5-1 going into the bottom of the third.

Gateway scored just two runs between the third and sixth innings. Florence added two insurance runs during that span and carried a 7-3 lead into the seventh inning.

Florence picked up three hits in the seventh, pushing two more runs across. Gateway answered with back-to-back RBI singles by Terry McClure and Craig Massoni.

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, the offense could not get a late inning rally going. Florence picked up their second sweep of the Grizzlies this season, pushing their record to 27-12.

Ja'Vaughn West suffered the loss. He worked through just over six innings, allowed eight hits, four walks, and nine runs (eight of which were earned).

Gateway will travel to River City to play the Rascals on Monday night. First pitch it set for 6:35 p.m. All of the action can be heard on the Grizzlies Media Network.

ABOUT THE GATEWAY GRIZZLIES: The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a mere 100-yards from I-255 (10 minutes from downtown St. Louis). The Grizzlies offer baseball fans entertainment, the likes of which are difficult to find - affordable, family, fun in the comfortable GCS Credit Union Ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. For tickets or general information please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call 618.337.3000.

ABOUT THE FRONTIER LEAGUE: The Frontier League is celebrating its 25^th season as a professional, independent baseball organization. Since its inception, the Frontier League has provided millions of fans to a fun and exciting baseball experience within the American Midwest. Consisting of 12 teams in two divisions and 96 game schedules, the league is recognized for the amount of talented athletes that are picked up by various MLB teams every year.