Victory at Victory

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By Matt Muncy, April 24, 2009

“They see it as a tremendous opportunity to play on the field. They are excited each year to play,” said head coach Lance Marshall.

 

The Grizzlies won the game 9-3, one run shy of their season average and improved to 24-8 (13-3 HCAC). Franklin came into the game first and Hanover seventh in the HCAC standings.

 

“Our goal is to win the HCAC championship,” said Marshall. “Your secondary goal is to get into the tournament. We are excited to pursue a championship.”

 

The Grizzlies came out swinging in the first inning and scored two runs to take an early lead, 2-0. Hanover answered in the top of the second with a run of their own to cut the lead in half. Franklin added two runs in the fifth followed by the Panthers adding two of their own in the top of the sixth to stay behind the Grizzlies by one, 4-3.

 

Franklin scored one in the bottom of the sixth on a double steal. With bases loaded in the seventh, the Grizzlies were able to score four runs after senior Adam Blackburn was hit by a pitch followed by sophomore Ian Sanders clearing the bases with a triple to center field.

Hanover’s pitchers had trouble with the Grizzlies 2, 3, and 4 hitters, Sanders, senior Joel Chrobak, and senior Jim Sweinconek. The three players went 6-12 and drove in seven runs.

 

“The lineup works,” said Marshall. “We feel like whoever we put in the lineup we will have good hitters. Everyone is getting on base to set them up for RBI situations.”

 

Chrobak hit two RBI doubles both off the top of the left field wall both looking to be two-run homeruns. Sanders had three hits including his three RBI triple in the seventh. Sweinconek had one single but drove in two runs.

 

Sophomore Derrik Patterson went six and a third innings while allowing three runs off seven hits. He walked two batters and struck out two. He earned his eighth win of the season and is still undefeated.

 

Franklin and Hanover continue their rivalry Saturday as they play a doubleheader at Franklin’s John.P. McDowell Field starting at noon.