The Gateway Grizzlies got a strong start from newcomer Brandon Williams and survived a big inning from the Southern Illinois Miners Thursday night but hung on for an 11-9 win in front of 2,543 fans at GCS Ballpark.

Williams tossed six innings in his Grizzlies debut, allowing one run on three hits. He walked two and struck out eight.

The Miners (1-1) scored six runs in the eighth to cut into the Grizzlies lead, but never gained the lead Thursday night. The Grizzlies (1-1) raced out to a 10-1 lead thanks in part to a big inning of their own. Manny Paula capped a five-run third inning with his first career grand slam to make it 6-1 Grizzlies. Ryne Malone opened the scoring with a solo home run leading off the Grizzlies' first inning. The Grizzlies added four runs in the sixth inning thanks to four hits, two walks and a hit batter.

Malone was 3-5 with the RBI and three runs scored. Michael Campbell was 2-5 with a run and two RBIs. Paula was 1-5 with four RBIs. Mike Breyman and Stephen Holdren each added an RBI.

The Grizzlies and the Miners play the rubber game of the three-game series Friday night at GCS Ballpark. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Joe Pott
Broadcaster/Corporate Sales Associate
Gateway Grizzlies Frontier League Baseball
2007 West Division Champions
618-337-3000
www.gatewaygrizzlies.com