FOR RELEASE: JUNE 25, 2008
BREYMAN, GRIZZLIES POWER PAST OTTERS
The Gateway Grizzlies scored 11 times in two innings and then cruised to an 11-4 win over the Evansville Otters in front of 4,196 at GCS Ballpark.
For the first time in franchise history, the Grizzlies hit two grand slams in the same game, and they both came in the same inning.
The Grizzlies (17-17), already leading 3-0, got a grand slam from Mike Breyman in the third to make it 7-0. Ryne Malone came to the plate with two outs in the inning and the bases loaded again. Malone homered to right to make it 11-0 Grizzlies.
Breyman's home run was a milestone shot of may sorts. The home run itself was Breyman's 64th in the Frontier League, tying him for second all-time in the league history. Kirk Taylor, of Johnstown, also hit 64 during his Frontier League career. The four RBIs gave Breyman 253 for his career, moving him past Grizzlies manager Phil Warren into fourth all-time in FL history. Finally, the grand slam was the fourth of Breyman's career giving him the Grizzlies' franchise record for most grand slams.
Both Breyman and Malone finished their nights with the four RBIs. Michael Campbell had a pair of RBIs in the win.
Derek Blacksher (5-2) earned the win for the Grizzlies. Blacksher allowed just one run over eight innings to earn his fifth consecutive victory.
The Otters (16-18) tallied three runs in the ninth off Grizzlies' reliever James Hertel. Hertel was making his first appearance since last season's post-season. He was recently activated from the injured reserve.