FOR RELEASE: JULY 10, 2009

GRIZZLIES TAKE SERIES OPENER IN 10

YPSILANTI, MI-The Gateway Grizzlies picked up their second extra inning win in as many nights Friday night, defeating the Midwest Sliders 6-5 at Oestrike Stadium on the Eastern Michigan University campus. Joseph Scaperotta drove in the game-winner with a one-out triple in the top of the 10^th inning.

Midwest (21-23) got a one-out, two run double by pinch hitter Robbie Kanpp to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth inning. It was the second consecutive night the Grizzlies surrendered a ninth inning lead. Eric Ridener gave up the double with bases loaded, after allowing a hit and walking two. It was Ridener’s second consecutive blown save. Kevin Hammon (1-1) struck out two to finish the ninth. He pitched the 10^th, walking one, to earn his first professional win.

The Grizzlies (18-27) built a 4-0 lead in the first inning on a pair of hits and two errors by the Sliders. Scaperotta drove in two with a single. Chad Rothford also drove in a run with a single. Brandon Johnson hit a solo home run in the fourth to put the Grizzlies up 5-0. The homer was the third in four games for the Grizzlies’ shortstop.

Scaperotta finished the night 3-4 with the three RBIs. Johnson was 2-4 with the homer.

The Grizzlies and the Sliders will play the second game of the three-game series Saturday night. First pitch is set for 5:05 pm, central time.

Joe Pott

Broadcaster

Gateway Grizzlies Frontier League Baseball