Grizzlies finish classic strong

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By Matt Muncy, March 16, 2009

The Polar Bears scored four runs in the third inning to draw first blood. Sophomore Adam Yunker hit a two-run single to left field and would score later on a throwing error by the right fielder. Junior Brett Katana was hit by a pitch and scored when Junior Drew Robinson doubled to left field.

 

“They threw a good pitcher at us. Scoring early is great, but scoring late is just as good,” said head coach Lance Marshall.

 

The Grizzlies answered in the bottom of the fourth. Sophomore Matt Zmich hit a three run homer down the left field line, scoring junior Paul Strack and senior Joel Chrobak. Senior Jim Swienconek singled to center, freshman Jordon Klinedinst singled to right, and senior Adam Blackburn singled to left scoring Swienconek. Senior Lance Noel was walked to load the bases and Strack was walked immediately afterwards to score Klinedinst. The Grizzlies scored five runs to take a 5-4 lead into the fifth and never looked back.

 

“We toughened up and Derrik Patterson threw a real nice game. He was able to get ahead in the count and we were able to make plays later in the game,” Marshall said.

In the fifth, Zmich walked, advanced to second on a passed ball and then stole third. Senior Alex Boone singled and scored Zmich off an error by the second baseman. Swienconek doubled to center scoring Boone for the final run of the inning. After five the Grizzlies led 7-4.

 

The first three Grizzly batters were walked to load the bases in the sixth, before Chrobak hit a fielder’s choice scoring Noel. Strack would score on a wild pitch followed by Boone singling and scoring Zmich and Chrobak.

 

In the eighth, sophomore Jordan Smuts scored on a single to right by Chrobak.

Zmich and Boone each had three RBIs followed by Chrobak with two and Blackburn, Klinedinst, and Sanders each had one. Chrobak is leading the team with 21 RBIs.

“He is coming to the plate with men on base and the pitchers have no choice but to pitch to him. They have not really been able to get around him,” Marshall said.

 

The Grizzlies went 2-1 during the Tri-State Classic beating Ohio Northern University twice and losing to Adrian College Friday.

 

Franklin College will play Rose-Hulman on Tuesday at home. The game will start at 4 p.m.

 

“We need to continue to play consistently. They are a good team and a good pitcher that we will probably see, Derrik Idle. We will be up for the challenge,” Marshall said.