The Gateway Grizzlies saw a four-run lead disappear but rebounded with a two-run sixth inning before holding on for an 8-7 win over the visiting New York Boulders at GCS Credit Union Ballpark in Sauget, IL, on Saturday.
The Boulders had overcome a 5-1 deficit through three innings to tie the game at 6-6 with a two-run sixth. A Ray Hernandez run-scoring groundout and an RBI single from Gian Martellini forged the tie. However, in the bottom of the inning, a throwing error by New York reliever Ryan Munoz allowed the Grizzlies to retake the lead and then a sacrifice fly by Zach Racusin increased Gateway’s advantage to 8-6.
David Vinsky’s 12th home run of the year, a solo blast, got one run back for New York in the top of the seventh as they closed to within 8-7.
One night after the teams combined for 30 runs in a 17-13 Boulders’ win, the Grizzlies and the visitors combined for 25 hits as 17 of the 18 players in both batting orders had at least one hit.
Lukas Veinbergs, the second of four Gateway pitchers, picked up the win as he improved to 2-0 on the year. Ryan Munoz took the loss for the Boulders, falling to 2-2 on the season.
Sam Gardner recorded his first save of the year for the Grizzlies.
Gabriel Garcia’s solo home run, his 12th long ball of the season, gave New York a 1-0 lead in the second inning. In the home half of the inning, Gateway answered with a two-run double by Alex Hernandez gave the home team a 2-1 advantage.
The Grizzlies increased their lead to 5-1 in the third thanks to a two-run double by Kevin Krause, with the other run scoring on a double play grounder off the bat of Jay Prather.
Austin Dennis’ sixth homer of the year, a two-run shot, brought New York within 5-3 in the fourth. The Boulders then got within a run at 5-4 via a Vinsky run-scoring groundout in the fifth inning.
Racusin’s solo homer, his fourth of the year, pushed the Gruzzlies’ lead back to two runs at 6-4 in the bottom of the fifth.
Neither starter factored in the decision on this night. The Boulders’ Justin Alintoff went 4 1/3 innings and allowed six runs, all earned, on 10 hits, while walking one and striking out three; meanwhile the Grizzlies’ Manuel Rodriguez made it through five innings, surrendering four runs, all earned, on six hits, while striking out six and walking none.
Information regarding season tickets and packages for the Boulders’ 2022 season are available by calling 845-364-0009 or sliding to www.NYBoulders.com.
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