Posted: Jul 25, 2017

RODRIGUEZ’ GRAND SLAM DOOMS GRIZZLIES, JOLIET TAKES GAME ONE

SAUGET, Ill. – The Gateway Grizzlies surrendered a two-out, two-strike grand slam to Joliet's Melvin Rodriguez in the top of the fifth inning. The Slammers took game one at GCS Credit Union Ballpark by a final score of 8-4.

The game started with a throwing error by Gateway starter Alec Kisena, allowing Joliet right fielder Ridge Hoopii-Haslam to reach first. Hoopii-Haslam eventually came around to score on a one-out single by catcher Spencer Navin.

Gateway was held to only one hit through the first three innings. The Grizzlies tied the score in the fourth on a two-out RBI single by right fielder Blake Brown.

It was anybody's ballgame heading into the fifth inning. Joliet took control in the top half. With two outs and the bases loaded, Joliet second baseman Melvin Rodriguez hit a grand slam over the right centerfield wall.

Gateway fought back, scoring one run in each of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings, but could not hold the Slammers. Joliet added two more insurance runs in the eighth to extend its lead to 8-4. The score remained stagnant through the ninth inning. FINAL: Grizzlies 4, Joliet 8.

The Grizzlies stranded 10 runners on base between the fourth and seventh innings on Tuesday night.

Kisena suffered the loss to drop his season record to 0-2. He allowed five runs (four earned) off of six hits. He struck out eight in six innings of work.

Gateway will resume action Wednesday night in the second game of a three-game series against Joliet at GCS Credit Union Ballpark. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. All 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.