Grizzlies Sign Bigfoot

8/26/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Club announced today the signing of Bigfoot as the first player to join the 2009 team.  Bigfoot comes to Gastonia from the woods of Ontario, Canada where two berry pickers recently spotted him in July.

Foot, an 11’7” 504lb Ape is expected to fill many roles with the Grizzlies in 09’.  The Grizzlies see Foot more as a hitter than a pitcher but said he could potentially be used as a closer.

“Obviously we see him as big presence in our lineup providing power and intimidation,” said General Manager Jesse Cole. 

Head Coach Eli Benefield has contacted Bigfoot twice since the signing but has had difficulty communicating with him.

“We expect this to be a tough transition for both Eli and Big as they get to know each other on and off the field, said Cole. “We have already scheduled pet therapy and communications classes for Eli (http://www.talkwithyouranimals.com) as well as trips to the North Carolina Zoo this September.  We hope this can help break down the language barrier and lead to a productive relationship between the two.”

In addition to helping Eli, the Grizzlies have enrolled Bigfoot in Gaston College for the Fall Semester to become acquainted with the community of Gastonia.

The Grizzlies have already petitioned the league for the batters box to be extended for Bigfoot as well as eliminating the long hair and clean-shaven rules that have been in effect.

The Grizzlies are still looking for a Host Family for Bigfoot.  According to General Manager Jesse Cole all that is required is a spare bedroom and a shower from May until August.  

“We really need some local family to step up and house Bigfoot for the summer.  We hear that he is great with kids and is an excellent role model.”

If the Grizzlies are unable to find a local family, the City of Gastonia has offered the woods behind Sims Park as a new home for Bigfoot. 

“We are very appreciative of the city for their tremendous support in bringing in Bigfoot to Gastonia.  Obviously this was a tough hurdle for many, however we only expect great things from Mr. Foot.”

The Grizzlies and Bigfoot open the 2009 season in 275 days at Sims Legion Park.

2008, A Season To Remember

8/7/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - While the 2008 season did not end with a playoff run for the Grizzlies, it left Gastonia with many special moments.  The Grizzlies (23-31) finished the season strong with a 14-14 record during the second half that was good for third place in the West Division.  The Grizzlies played strong at home all season compiling a 17-10 record at Sims Legion Park.  The season was highlighted by a 7 game winning streak (7/15-7/25) that saw many dramatic wins.  The Grizzlies won three games in extra innings and three games in the bottom of the 9th including the final two of the season.

Grizzlies fans will not forget the dramatic wins against the regular season champion Thomasville Hi-Toms.  On June 16th the Grizzlies were down 5-1 in the 9th inning with two outs and no one on base.  The Grizzlies drew three walks and then Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) followed with a three-run double.  Daniel Ford (Lenoir Rhyne) then singled to tie the game at five.  The Grizzlies went to the bottom of the 11th and Daniel Ford blasted a two run walk-off home run to win it for the Grizzlies. 

The final home game against Thomasville also ended in thrilling fashion in the bottom of the 9th. With one out Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) grounded to first and Kaleb Herren raced home and slid just under the tag of catcher Blake Forsythe to give the Grizzlies a 9-8 win.

The seven game winning streak also featured dramatic wins against the Florence RedWolves and the Edenton Steamers.  On July 17th against the Florence RedWolves the Grizzlies took a 2-0 lead in the 8th inning that was quickly spoiled in 9th by a two run comeback by Florence.  Florence scored again in the 10th inning to go ahead 3-2 but the Grizzlies would never quit as Chad Dawkins (Montreat) delivered a base hit to score Payden Houser (Tusculum) to win it 4-3 for the Grizzlies.

On July 19th against the Edenton Steamers the Grizzlies were trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the 6th when Chad Dawkins was hit by a pitch.  The benches cleared and after order was restored Brandon Casamassima stepped to the plate and hit a two-run homer to tie the game.  The Grizzlies would score again in the bottom of the 6th and hold on to win 3-2.

The Grizzlies were led all season by All-Stars Kyle Behrendt, Daniel Ford and Tyler Musselwhite.  Behrendt (Wofford) finished third in the Coastal Plain League in hitting at a .339 clip.  He also drove in 26 runs while stealing 13 bases.

Daniel Ford provided clutch hits for the Grizzlies all season while batting .318 with 2 home runs and 29 RBIs.

Tyler Musselwhite (South Carolina) finished second in the Coastal Plain League in strikeouts with 73 in 60.2 innings pitched.  He also tied Kaleb Herren for wins with 4.

Brandon Cassamasima led the Grizzlies with 4 home runs while Josh Collazo led the Grizzlies with RBIs with 34.  Chad Dawkins finished second in the league with 27 stolen bases.

Chris Kupillas (Central Michigan) led the pitching staff in ERA at a 2.68 clip and also recorded 2 wins and 4 saves while striking out 59 in 53 innings.

The Grizzlies broke the all-time attendance record drawing 29,120 fans to Sims Park in 2008.  The Grizzlies averaged 1,172 fans and drew more 1,000 thirteen times throughout the summer.  The highlight was on July 3rd when the Grizzlies drew 3,355 fans breaking the previous attendance record set on opening night in 2003.

Grizzlies End Season on Winning Note

8/5/08

ASHEBORO, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies ended their 2008 campaign with an 11-4 win on Tuesday night in Asheboro. Scott Wingo (South Carolina) had four hits and Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) drove in four runs to lead the attack over the Asheboro Copperheads.

After a three run top of the first inning, Gastonia was in full control. Scott Wingo led off with a single to centerfield and stole second base. A single to leftfield by Chad Dawkins (Montreat) advanced Wingo to third base with one out. Both men would score on a two run double to right center field by Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) giving Gastonia an early 2-0 lead, Casamassima reached third on an error by catcher Ryan Query. A Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) ground out scored Casamassima and gave Gastonia a 3-0 lead.

The Grizzlies would add 2 more runs in the top of the second inning as Gastonia  loaded the bases on three consecutive hits to begin the inning, including a bunt single by Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas). A single to right field by Kyle Behrendt scored Houser with the Grizzlies fourth run and kept the bases loaded. Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) scored on a sacrifice fly by Chad Dawkins giving Gastonia a five run lead.

The only blemish for Grizzlies? starter Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) came in the bottom of the third inning when he gave up two runs on a single by Greg Holt which made it a 5-2 Grizzlies advantage. Herren went five innings allowing two runs and striking out three to earn his fourth win on the season.

Behrendt collected his second RBI in the top of the sixth inning. With the bases loaded, Behrendt grounded out to first allowing Collazo to score and giving Gastonia a 6-3 lead. A two run single to left centerfield by Chad Dawkins extended the lead to 8-3.

The Copperheads scored an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth inning off of Grizzlies reliever Tyler Musselwhite (South Carolina) cutting the lead to 8-3

Kyle Behrendt collected his third and fourth RBI on the night in the seventh with a two run double to left field scoring Lopez and Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin) giving Gastonia a 10-3 lead.

A Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) solo home run to right field gave Gastonia an 11-3 lead, they would go on to win 11-4.

Grizzlies Fall in Thomasville

8/4/08

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – A seven run eighth inning led the Thomasville HiToms in a 10-2 win over Gastonia on Monday night.

Gastonia and Thomasville exchanged runs through the first inning and a half. Gastonia’s first run came in the top of the second inning as Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) hit his second home run of the season to tie the game at 1.

Thomasville took the lead back in the bottom of the second inning, C.J. Beatty (North Carolina A&T) scored on a bunt single by J.D. Burgess (North Georgia), making it a 2-1 game.

Gastonia tied the game in the top of the fourth inning, Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) led off with a single and scored on an RBI single by Josh Collazo, evening the game at 2.

The HiToms would regain the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning on a leadoff home run by Chris McGuiness (The Citadel), making it a 3-2 ball game.

Thomasville broke open the game in the bottom of the eighth inning. Grizzlies’ reliever Brian Greene (Montreat) walked the first two men, Wes Hobson (Appalachian State), and Chris McGuiness, which was followed by a three run home run by Blake Forsythe (Tennessee) to give Thomasville a 6-2 lead. C.J. Beatty would hit a solo home run to extend the lead to 7-2. In the eighth inning was over the HiToms sent 10 men to the plate and took a 10-2 lead.

The Grizzlies will close out their season Tuesday night in Asheboro at 7 P.M.

Kaleb Herren

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Grizzlies With Another Walk Off WIn

8/3/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies ended their home portion of the 2008 season on Sunday night in Walk Off Fashion. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) was caught in a rundown long enough to score Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat the Thomasville HiToms 9-8.

Gastonia took an early 1-0 lead after the first inning when Chad Dawkins (Montreat) hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the first. The home run was his third on the season and second in two nights.

Thomasville answered with four runs of their own in the top of the second inning, as all nine batters would come to the plate. Blake Forsythe (Tennessee) led off the inning with a double down the leftfield line and scored when C.J. Beatty (North Carolina A&T) singled to right center tying the game at 1. After stealing second base, Beatty advanced to third on a J.D. Burgess (North Georgia College & State) single. A walk to Michael Hornsby (Tennessee) loaded the bases with no outs. Beatty would score on a single to left field by Wes Hobson (Appalachian State) giving Thomasville a 2-1 lead. Burgess and Hornsby would later score in the inning giving Thomasville a 4-1 lead.

The action would go back and fourth from there, Gastonia scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning on a two run home run by Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) which was his third of the year to cut the deficit to 4-3. The Grizzlies would pull ahead in the bottom of the third inning on a two run double by Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) to make it 5-4.

Thomasville answered with three runs in the fourth inning, when seven men came to the plate. With one out Wes Hobson singled and moved to third on a single by Chris McGuiness (Citadel) and would score on an error by center fielder Chad Dawkins tying the game at 5. McGuiness would later score on a two run home run by Richard Jones (The Citadel) to give the HiToms a 7-5 lead.

The Grizzlies and HiToms would exchange runs in the bottom of the fourth and each half of the fifth inning, which resulted in a HiToms 8-7 lead.

Gastonia tied the ball game in the bottom of the eighth inning; Ty Nelson led off with a single and scored on an RBI single by Scott Wingo (South Carolina) tying the game at 8.

In the top of the ninth inning the Grizzlies had runners on the corners with one out, Kaleb Herren was at third and Ty Nelson was on first. Josh Collazo grounded to first where Chris McGuiness stepped on the bag to record the second out and Ty Nelson was caught in a rundown long enough to allow Kaleb Herren to score the winning run.

Gastonia (13-13) will travel to Thomasville (19-7) Monday night at 7 PM.

Chad Dawkins, 2-5 with two RBIs, collected his third Home Run of the Season.

Kaleb Herren, scored game winning run in the ninth inning.

Josh Collazo hit his third home run in the second inning. .

Gastonia Wins Thriller In Bottom Of Ninth

Grizzlies Walk Off Heroics Continue

8/2/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Grizzlies were able to come back from an 8-1 deficit in the top of the sixth inning to beat the Asheboro Copperheads 9-8 on a walk off error.

Gastonia fell behind 2-0 after the top half of the first inning. Ben Bunting (North Carolina) was hit by a Jeremy Beeching (Tennessee Wesleyan) pitch to lead off the game. Bunting advanced to second on a single by Sean Cotton (Tusculum) and third on a fielder’s choice by Daniel Wagner (Belmont). Bunting scored on an RBI single by Ryan Query (Catawba) to give the Copperheads an early 1-0 lead. Wagner would later score on an error by Scott Wingo (South Carolina) to give Asheboro a 2-0 lead.

The Grizzlies cut the lead in half in the bottom of the first inning, Chad Dawkins (Montreat) led off with a single and stole second base. Dawkins would make it a 2-1 game on Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) fielder’s choice.

The Copperheads would respond with two runs in the second, and a run in the third and fourth innings to take a 6-1 lead. In the top of the sixth inning two more would score; Chris Ahern (Catawba) scored on a Daniel Wagner sacrifice fly to center field and Ben Bunting scored on an error by centerfielder Chad Dawkins giving Asheboro an 8-1 lead.

Gastonia would begin to chip away in the bottom of the sixth inning. Chad Dawkins made up for the error with a solo home run to cut the deficit to six. Brandon Casamassima reached with a one out infield single and moved to second on a single by Kyle Behrendt (Wofford). A RBI single by Ty Nelson scored Casamassima and Behrendt would score on an error by the catcher Ryan Query (Catawba) cutting the lead to 8-4.

The Grizzlies tied up the game in the bottom of the seventh after sending all nine men to the plate. Payden Houser (Tusculum) led off with a double and advanced to third on a double by Chad Dawkins. An RBI single by Kaleb Herren scored Houser with the fifth Grizzlies’ run. Dawkins scored on a Brandon Casamassima RBI single, and Herren scored on an RBI single by Daniel Ford to make it an 8-7 ball game. A Ty Nelson Sacrifice fly would score Casamassima and tie the game up at 8.

Ty Nelson would again come up in the clutch, with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning; Nelson hit a ground ball to the second baseman Daniel Wagner that was booted allowing Kaleb Herren to score the winning run.

The Grizzlies (12-13) will host the Thomasville HiToms (19-6) tomorrow in the final home game of the 2008 season.

Ty Nelson 1-4 with 2 RBIs

Brandon Casamassima 2-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Kaleb Herren, 2-3 with two runs scored including game winner in the bottom of the ninth.

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Grizzlies Fall In Asheboro 5-3

8/1/08

ASHEBORO, N.C. - The Asheboro Copperheads were able to defeat the Gastonia Grizzlies on Friday afternoon thanks to two home runs, Ryan Query and Sean Cotton, which propelled the Copperheads to a 5-3 victory.

Gastonia took an early 1-0 lead after the top of the second inning, Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) led off with a walk and advanced to second base on a fielder’s choice by Ty Nelson. After Behrendt reached third on a Kaleb Herren (Okalhoma) sacrifice fly to center field, Josh Collazo's RBI double to right field scored Behrendt giving Gastonia a 1-0 lead.

The lead would be extended in the top of the third inning; with two outs Scott Wingo (South Carolina) walked and scored on an RBI double by Brandon Casamassima to centerfield extending the lead to 2-0. Casamassima scored on an RBI single by Kyle Behrendt making it a 3-0 game.

Asheboro would record their first hit with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning when Ryan Query (Catawba) hit a solo home run to left center cutting the lead to 3-1.

Asheboro would tie the game in the bottom of the sixth inning on a two run home run by Sean Cotton (Tusculum) to tie the game at 3. The home run drove in Ben Bunting (North Carolina).

The Copperheads played small ball to take the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Greg Holt (North Carolina) led off with a walk and advanced to second on a Matt Ryan (Tulane) sacrifice bunt. Holt would score on a Kilby Perdomo (Frank Phillips) RBI single to left field giving Asheboro a 4-3 lead.

Asheboro would add an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning, Sean Cotton led off with a double and later scored on a Matt Ryan RBI single to centerfield, giving Asheboro a 5-3 lead.

Gastonia (12-12) will host the Asheboro Copperheads (8-16) tomorrow at 7 PM.

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Road Woes Continue

7/31/08

MARTINSVILLE, VA - Despite a four to nothing lead and five no-hit innings from Grizzlies starter Keith Para (Montreat), the Gastonia Grizzlies fell 6-4 against the Martinsville Mustangs on Thursday night at Hooker Field.

The Grizzlies used two out magic to score two runs in the top of the first inning. Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne), Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) and Scott Wingo (South Carolina) all walked to load the bases. Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) reminded fans why the first inning was dubbed the Collazo inning with a two run single up the middle to score Ford and Casamassima and gave Gastonia a 2-0 lead.

Daniel Benner (Montreat) led off the second inning with a single to right field, and Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) reached on an error by Mustangs’ first baseman Matt Schneider (Erskine College) allowing Benner to move to third. A RBI fielder’s choice by Lucas Martin (Belmont Abbey) scored Benner and extended Gastonia’s lead to 3-0. Lopez would later score on a throwing error by third baseman Andy Hilliard (Mt. Olive) making it a 4-0 game.

Grizzlies’ starting pitcher Keith Para was solid through five innings, striking out four and not allowing a hit; but the Mustangs were able to get to Para in the bottom of the sixth inning. JD Davidson (Florida Tech) worked a lead off walk and advanced to third after an error and a bunt single by Jeff Taylor (Lynchburg) putting runners on the corners with no outs. Ryan LaPensee’s (Wayne State) sacrifice fly to center field cut the lead to 4-1. Taylor would later score on a Zach Boyette (Barton College) single to cut the lead to 4-2. Boyette would plate the third and final run of the inning on an RBI double by Sam Palace (Florida Tech).

Martinsville took the lead and handed reliever Jonathan Swartout (Tennessee Wesleyan) his first earned runs and his first loss of the season in the bottom of the eighth inning. LaPensee reached on a bunt fielder’s choice and promptly stole second base. With two outs Matt Schneider’s RBI single down the right field line scored LaPensee and tied the game at 4. Martinsville would gain the lead on a two run home run by Sam Palace, making it a 6-4 ballgame.

Gastonia (11-12) will travel to Asheboro (7-16) for a 2 PM game Friday afternoon.

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Walks Hurt Grizzlies, Fall 7-3 in Forest City

7/30/08

FOREST CITY , N.C. - The Forest City Owls were able to capitalize on nine walks to defeat the Gastonia Grizzlies 7-3 on Wednesday evening at McNair Field.

Gastonia took an early 2-0 lead after the top of the third inning. Chad Dawkins (Montreat) hit a one out single to right field and after stealing second base came around to score on a Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) RBI double down the right field line giving Gastonia a 1-0 lead. Lopez would later score on an RBI single by Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) through the left side of the infield extending the lead to 2-0.

Forest City would take the lead in the bottom of the third inning and never looked back. Bryan Fogle (Erskine) led off with a double down the left field line and scored on an RBI double by Mike McKee (North Carolina) to cut the lead to 2-1. A Kevin Mailloux (Canisius College) two run home run would give the Owls a 3-2 lead.

The Owls added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning, with one out Will Skinner (Walters State) doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Bryan Fogle’s RBI double to right center would score Skinner with the Owls’ fourth run.

Gastonia had their best chance to get back into the game in the top of the fifth inning, loading the bases loaded with no outs. Owls’ reliever Tim Kiley (Florida Gulf Coast) was able to get out of the inning without allowing a run, and the Grizzlies stranded runners on the corners. Payden Houser (Tusculum) lined into a double play before Brandon Casamassima flew out to short to end the inning.

The Grizzlies would cut the lead to 4-3 in the top of the sixth inning but again would leave runners on the corners. Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) hit a one out single and advanced to second on an error by Owls’ third baseman Kevin Mahoney (Canisius). After a wild pitch advanced Ford to third, a RBI single by Josh Collazo scored Ford and cut the lead to 1.

Forest City put the game away in the seventh inning, scoring three runs without registering a hit. Kevin Mahoney and Rich Racobaldo (Mt. Olive) began the inning with back to back walks and after a double steal the Owls had two men in scoring position. Will Skinner would walk with one out to load the bases. A Thomas Morrison (Columbus State) walk scored Mahoney with the Owls fifth run. Bryan Fogle grounded to third baseman Brandon Casamassima who went home for the second out, but the relay throw to first from Grizzlies’ catcher Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin) hit Fogle and went into right field, Skinner and Morrison would score on the play to give Forest City a 7-3 lead.

The Grizzlies (11-11) will travel to Martinsville to play the Mustangs at 7:20 PM on Thursday.

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Owls Lay Egg, Grizzlies Win 2-0.

7/29/08

GASTONIA , N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies were able to get back on the winning track Tuesday
afternoon at Sims Legion Park defeating the rival Forest City Owls 2-0. Chris Kupillas
(Central Michigan) went seven shutout innings to earn his second straight decision.

Gastonia scored their first run in the bottom of the second inning when Payden Houser
(Tusculum) reached on a one out walk and advanced to second base when Daniel Benner
(Montreat) was hit by a pitch. With two runners on Lucas Martin (Belmont Abbey) singled
to left field to load the bases, and Scott Wingo worked a two out walk to score Houser
and give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead.

The Grizzlies extended their lead in the bottom of the third inning, Kaleb Herren
(Oklahoma) singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Ty Nelson (Tennessee
Martin). A RBI single by Josh Collazo down the left field line would score Herren and
gave Gastonia a 2-0 lead.

Those two runs would be more than enough as Gastonia had excellent pitching from Chris
Kupillas, Jonathan Swartout (Tennessee-Wesleyan) and Tommy Roebuck (Lamar). Kupillas pitched seven scoreless innings allowing three hits and striking out three, improving his record
to 2-4. Swartout allowed no hits with a strikeout during his scoreless eighth inning;
Tommy Roebuck struck out one in his scoreless ninth inning to earn his fifth save.

Gastonia (11-10) will travel to McNair Field to face the Owls (9-13) for the last time in
the 2008 Coastal Plain League season, game is at 7 PM.

Chris Kupillas pitched 7 scoreless innings to record his second win of the season.

Grizzlies Snake bit by Asheboro 8-3

7/28/08

GASTONIA , N.C. - The Asheboro Copperheads used a five run second inning to help lead them to a 8-3 victory over the Grizzlies at Sims Legion Park on Monday night.

Asheboro jumped out to a five to nothing lead after the top of the second inning, sending all nine men to the plate. Greg Holt (North Carolina) led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a single by Sean Cotton (Tusculum). Relly Mercurio (Texas Christian) grounded back to Grizzlies starting pitcher Brent Davis (Saint Edwards), but would reach when the throw by Davis went into right field scoring Holt with the first Copperheads run. Brett Medlin (Texas Christian) would walk to load the bases. Cotton scored on Jeff Ussery’s (Georgia Tech) sacrifice fly to right field giving the Copperheads a 2-0 lead. A Ben Bunting (North Carolina) RBI single would score Mercurio with the Copperheads third run of the inning. Medlin and Bunting would both score on errors to give Asheboro a 5-0 lead.

Gastonia would begin to chip away at the lead by scoring a run in the third and two in the sixth inning. Payden Houser (Tusculum) led off the bottom of the third inning with a walk and moved to second base after Scott Wingo (South Carolina) was hit by a pitch. Gastonia then played small ball, Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners and Chad Dawkins (Montreat) hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Houser with the first Grizzlies run.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) hit a one out solo home run to cut the lead to 5-2. Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) reached on an infield single and would score on a Daniel Ford RBI single to right field making it a 5-3 game.

Asheboro took away any Grizzlies momentum in the top of the seventh inning scoring three runs on their way to an 8-3 victory.

The Grizzlies (10-10) will host the Forest City Owls tomorrow afternoon at noon.

Grizzlies Shutout in Forest City

7/27/08

FOREST CITY , N.C. - The Forest City Owls propelled themselves to a 9-0 victory on Sunday afternoon at McNair Field with a five run first inning, which set the tempo for the rest of the game.

Gastonia had their chances in the first two innings to get on the scoreboard, in the top of the first inning Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) hit a one out single up the middle of the infield. A single by Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) would move Behrendt to second, and both men would advance into scoring position on a ground ball out by Brandon Casamassima (Marshall). David Walters was then able to end the threat by striking out Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin).

In the top of the second inning Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) led off with a single to left field and moved to second on a fielder’s choice by Scott Wingo, (South Carolina) before being stranded.

The Owls would score 5 runs in their half of the first inning; Wade Moore (N.C. State) led off with a double down the right field line. After Kevin Mailloux (Canisius College) was hit by a pitch, Kevin Mahoney (Canisius College) hit an RBI single to score Moore and put the Owls on top 1-0. Mailloux would advance to third on the throw home and Mahoney advanced to second base. After Grizzlies' starter Ian Waldron (Arizona Western) earned his first out with a strike out of Rich Racobaldo (Mt. Olive College), he gave up a two run single to right field by Jordan Petraitis scoring Maillioux and Mahoney and giving the Owls a 3-0 lead.

Forest City would add two more runs in the top of the first inning when Petraitis scored on a wild pitch and Thomas Morrison (Columbus State) would score on a RBI double by Logan Bland (Western Carolina), giving Forest City a 5-0 lead.

The Owls added a run in the third inning and two more in the fourth inning to gain an 8-0 lead. Wade Moore led off the bottom of the fourth with a bunt single, which began a parade where the next four batters would reach base. Moore scored on a wild pitch and Kevin Mailloux later added a run on an RBI single by Jordan Petraitis. Grizzlies reliever Chris Henderson (Lenoir-Rhyne) was able to induce a double play by Thomas Morrison to get two outs, before catching Rich Racobaldo trying to steal home.

Jordan Petraitis would collect his fourth RBI on the afternoon in the bottom of the eighth inning on a single that scored Kevin Mahoney to give the Owls a 9-0 lead.

Gastonia (10-9) will host the Asheboro Copperheads (4-15) Monday evening at 7 PM.

Grizzlies Fall In Thomasville

7/26/08

THOMASVILLE, N.C. - The Grizzlies saw their seven game winning streak come to an end on Saturday night, falling 5-1 at Finch Field in Thomasville, N.C. .

Thomasville scored their first runs in the bottom of the third inning. Wes Hobson (Appalachian State) led off with a double, and Mike Hornsby (Tennessee) walked to put two runners on base. Hobson and Hornsby would each advance a base when Josh Liles (Tennessee) grounded out to first. A three run home run by C.J. Beatty (North Carolina A&T) would give the HiToms a 3-0 lead.

Thomasville would take a four run lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Jason Wallace (Appalachian State) hit a two run double before scoring on Wes Hobson’s RBI single to give the HiToms a 4-0 lead.

Gastonia would score their lone run in the top of the eighth inning. Chad Dawkins (Montreat) reached second base on back-to-back fielder's choices before scoring on Kyle Behrendt's (Wofford) RBI single to left field to cut the deficit to 4-1.

The HiToms were able to regain a four run lead in the bottom of the eight inning on a solo home run by Richard Jones (The Citadel) to give Thomasville a 5-1 lead.

The Grizzlies (10-8) will travel to Forest City (8-11) for a 2 P.M. game tomorrow at McNair Field.

Grizzlies Win Record 7th Straight Game

7/25/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies on Friday night in front of 2054 fans, set a new franchise winning streak by winning their seventh straight game. A two RBI night by Josh Collazo (Oklahoma) and seven solid innings of work by Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) led the Grizzlies to a 4-2 victory over the Asheboro Copperheads.

Gastonia set the tempo early with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. Kyle Behrendt (Wofford), Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne), Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin) and Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) all singled in order to lead off the inning. Behrendt after stealing third base advanced home on a throwing error by Copperheads’ catcher Ryan Query (Catawba) putting Gastonia ahead 1-0. Ford scored on Josh Collazo’s RBI single down the left field line making it a 2-0 ballgame.

Asheboro would chip away and tie the game after scoring a run in each of the sixth and seventh innings. Ben Bunting (North Carolina) led off the sixth with a single and advanced to second base on a stolen base. Bunting would move to third base on a fielder’s choice before scoring on a single to left field by Ryan Query which cut the lead to 2-1. In the seventh inning Relly Mercurio (Texas Christian) worked a one out walk before moving to third on a Sean Cotton (Tusculum) single to center field. A Jeff Ussery (Georgia Tech) sacrifice fly to right field would score Mercurio and tie the game at 2.

Starter Kaleb Herren went seven innings to pick up his third win of the season. He struck out seven while allowing two earned runs.

Gastonia would regain the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning as again the first four batters would reach safely. Ty Nelson led off with a walk and would score on a Josh Collazo double to left field giving the Grizzlies a 3-2 lead. Collazo would score on a RBI double by Scott Wingo (South Carolina) to give the Grizzlies a 4-2 lead.

The Grizzlies bullpen again was solid as Derek Ward (Louisiana at Monroe) pitched a perfect eighth and Tommy Roebuck (Lamar) earned his fourth save on the season with a perfect ninth inning.

Gastonia (10-7) will travel to Thomasville (15-4) to face the HiToms tomorrow evening at 7 P.M.

Kaleb Herren earned his third win on the season, striking out seven in seven innings of work.

Grizzlies Win Sixth Straight

7/24/08

GASTONIA, N.C. -  The Grizzlies entered Thursday night on a five game winning streak, eight solid innings by Chris Kupillas (Central Michigan) and a two RBI night from Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) fueled the 3-1 Grizzlies victory over the Martinsville Mustangs.

Gastonia got on the board in the bottom of the first inning when Chad Dawkins (Montreat) reached on an error by second baseman Bucky Smith (Kennesaw State). Dawkins would steal second and score on an RBI single by CPL Rawlings Co-Hitter of the Week Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) to give Gastonia a 1-0 lead.

The Mustangs struck for their only run in the top of the second inning; Zach Boyette (Barton College) reached on an error by Grizzlies’ second baseman Payden Houser and advanced to third on a single by Bucky Smith, and a walk issued to Andy Hilliard (Mount Olive) which also loaded the bases. Boyette would score on a fielder’s choice making it a 1-1 game.

The tie would not last long as the Grizzlies got the run back with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin) tripled to right field and scored on an RBI double by Kaleb Herren making it a 2-1 game.

Gastonia would add an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning, Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) doubled and after moving to third on a sacrifice fly by Ty Nelson, scored on an RBI single by Kaleb Herren to give the Grizzlies a 3-1 lead.

Gastonia’s pitching was dominant. Starter Chris Kupillas went eight innings allowing one unearned run and striking out 10, while Grizzlies reliever Jonathan Swartout (Tennessee-Wesleyan) recorded two strike outs in the ninth inning to earn his second save, on his 20th birthday.

Gastonia (9-7) will host the Asheboro Copperheads (4-13) on Friday night at 7 P.M.

Chris Kupillas, ten strike outs in eight innings to earn first CPL Victory.

Kaleb Herren 2-4 with 2 RBIs.

Brandon Casamassima named Rawlings Co-Hitter of the Week

7/24/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - Gastonia Grizzlies' third baseman Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) was named Rawlings Co-Hitter of the Week after hitting .529 between July 13th and July 19th.

During the seventh week of the Coastal Plain League season Casamassima led the league with 17 total bases and a slugging percentage of 1.214. Casamassima has a seven game hitting streak stretching back to the second game of a doubleheader against Thomasville on June 12th.

For the season Casamassima is hitting .287 with three home runs and 20 RBIs, while stealing 6 bases.

“Cas is really deserving of this honor. He has turned it on for us these past few weeks and has helped lead our offense,” said Head Coach Eli Benefield.

Brandon Casamassima named Rawlins Co-Hitter of the Week.

Grizzlies Win Fifth Straight

7/23/08

MARTINSVILLE, VA - At the beginning of the season the Gastonia Grizzlies' opponents were taking advantages of defensive miscues and collected timely hits. Recently the Grizzlies have been taking advantage of those opportunities including Martinsville's 7 errors on Wednesday, and behind a complete game shutout by Brent Davis defeated the Martinsville Mustangs 10-0 at Hooker Field.

In the top of the second inning the Grizzlies were able to score the first runs of the ballgame. Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) led off with a single and back to back walks to Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin) and Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) loaded the bases. Mustangs’ starter Jeff Richard (Coastal Carolina) was able to produce a double play off the bat of Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist); Ford would score to give Gastonia a 1-0 lead.

Three more runs would come across in the third inning to increase the lead to 4-0. With one out Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) reached on an error by second baseman Jeff Taylor (Lynchburg college), would be the first of three errors committed by the Mustangs in the inning. A RBI double to centerfield by Chad Dawkins (Montreat) would score Lopez and extend the lead to 2-0. Chad Dawkins would steal third and score on an error by third baseman Jeff Butler (Lafayette College) allowing Daniel Ford to reach first base. After back to back wild pitches, Ford was able to advance to third and would score on an error by shortstop Bucky Smith (Kennesaw State) which allowed Ty Nelson to reach making it a 4-0 game.

Gastonia in the fourth inning would add five runs which were fueled by third basemen Jeff Butler three errors in the inning, the Grizzlies would send 10 men to the plate. Scott Wingo (South Carolina) reached second on a fielder’s choice which would give the Mustangs two outs. After a Bryant Lopez walk, Chad Dawkins reached on an error by Jeff Butler to load the bases. Brandon Casamassima then reached on another error by Jeff Butler; Wingo would score on the play to extend the lead to 6-0. Ty Nelson picked up his first RBIs on the season with a two run single to right field which scored Dawkins and Casamassima and extended the lead to 8-0. Ford would score the 9th Grizzlies run on an RBI single by Kaleb Herren.

Gastonia would add their tenth run in the top of the sixth inning, Chad Dawkins reached on a single through the right-hand side of the infield, and after advancing to second on a passed ball, would score after back to back sacrifice flies by Casamassima and Daniel Ford.

Brent Davis (Saint Edwards) threw a complete game shutout to record his second win on the season, both of those wins coming against the Martinsville Mustangs. Davis would also set two season highs with nine innings pitched and eight strike outs and became the first Grizzlies pitcher to record a shutout since Ryan Pope in 2006 against the Mustangs.

Gastonia will host the Mustangs in the back end of a home and home series at Sims Legion Park in Gastonia on Thursday night at 7:05 PM.

Brent Davis a complete game shutout, striking out eight.

Daniel Ford scored three runs, and his 24th RBI on Wednesday.

Chad Dawkins, 2-5 with three runs scored and collected his 20th stolen base on Wednesday.

Grizzlies Fight To Victory

7/19/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies were able to overcome a two run deficit with a three run sixth inning highlighted by a Brandon Casamassima two-run home run. The Grizzlies won 3-2 which was the Grizzlies fourth straight win.

Gastonia feel behind early in the game 2-0, in the top of the first inning Brett Nommenson (Eastern Illinois) was hit by a pitch and after stealing second base scored on a Doug Kroll (Oklahoma State) single to give the Steamers a 1-0 lead.

Edenton would add another run in the top of the sixth inning when Jacob Robbins (Kennesaw State) led off with a single and after stealing both second and third base came around to score on a sacrifice fly by Ty Boyles (Gardner-Webb) to give the Steamers a 2-0 lead.

The lead and control of the game would be lost in the bottom of the sixth inning. Chad Dawkins (Montreat) was hit by a pitch and began to make his way to the mound. Both benches and the Edenton bullpen cleared and order was finally restored minutes later with no ejections. Brandon Casamassima then hit a 2-run home run to tie the game up at 2. Kyle Behrendt was then hit by a pitch and warnings were given to both teams. Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) then walked and both runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Ty Nelson (Tennessee Martin). Behrendt would score the eventual winning run on a RBI single by Josh Collazo, which gave the Grizzlies a 3-2 lead. Payden Houser (Tusculum) was then drilled in the head which prompted another set of warnings by the home plate umpire Matt Springer. Edenton would get out of the inning on a ground out by Daniel Benner (Montreat).

The Grizzlies bullpen again slammed the door shut as Ward and Roebuck threw two shutout innings to hold the victory. Tyler Musselwhite picked up his fourth win on the season going seven innings allowing two earned runs and recording 8 strike outs.

Daniel Ford, Kyle Behrendt and Tyler Musselwhite will be participating in the CPL All Star Game on Tuesday at Asheboro, N.C.

Brandon Casamassima hit his third home run in four games on Saturday.

Grizzlies Tame Copperheads

7/18/08

ASHEBORO, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies were able to earn their fourth road victory on Friday night thanks to back to back home runs by Chad Dawkins (Montreat) and Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) in the first inning and a quality start by Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) helped lead the Grizzlies over the Asheboro Copperheads 6-3.

The Grizzlies struck early with three runs in the first inning, with one out Chad Dawkins and Brandon Casamassima hit back to back home runs to give the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead. Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) then joined the hit parade with a single and advanced to second on a single by Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist). Copperheads' starter Austin Terhune (Seward County CC) would walk the next two batters which allowed Ford to score the Grizzlies third run of the inning.

In the bottom of the first inning Kaleb Herren was able to strike out the side on 13 pitches. Herren would pitch six innings allowing three runs with nine strike outs to record the win.

Gastonia after giving up a run in the bottom of the second inning responded with two in the top of the third inning. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) singled and advanced to third after bunt singles by Daniel Benner (Montreat) and Lucas Martin (Belmont Abbey) to load the bases with two outs. Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) then hit a two run single to score Nelson and Benner giving the Grizzlies a 5-1 lead.

Brandon Casamassima led off the fourth inning with a double and after a fielder's choice by Daniel Ford, scored on an RBI double by Josh Collazo to give the Grizzlies a 6-1 lead.

The Grizzlies bullpen was terrific again. With the Grizzlies up 6-3 Brian Greene (Montreat) was able to pitch a perfect seventh inning while striking out two. Derek Ward (Louisiana at Monroe) was able to retire the side in the eighth inning and Jonathan Swartout recorded his first coastal Plain League save in the ninth inning, striking out Greg holt (North Carolina) to end the game.

The Grizzlies (6-7) will host the Edenton Steamers (6-8) Saturday evening at 7 PM

Chad Dawkins solo home run in the first inning

Brandon Casamassima 3-4 with a home run and two runs scored

Grizzlies Win Thriller in Extras

7/17/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies again won in their last at bats, this time a Chad Dawkins RBI single in the tenth inning helped lead the Grizzlies over the Florence RedWolves.

The Grizzlies had their chances early on in the ballgame, in the top of the first inning the Grizzlies loaded the bases with one out and Florence starting pitcher Kent Altmin (Coastal Carolina) was able to get Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) to ground out to third and Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) to ground back to the pitcher to get out of the inning without any damage.

Gastonia would load the bases again in the sixth inning but Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) grounded into an inning ending double play to the shortstop Barret Kleinknect (Francis Marion) to get out of the jam.

Grizzlies starting pitcher Chris Kupillas (Central Michigan) went seven shutout innings, while striking out seven.

The Grizzlies finally got to starter Kent Altmin in the bottom of the eighth inning, Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) and Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) each singled and advanced on a Brandon Casamassima sacrifice bunt. A Josh Collazo double to left centerfield scored both Behrendt and Ford and gave the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead.

Grizzlies closer Tommy Roebuck (Lamar) came into close the game in the ninth inning but defensive miscues cost the Grizzlies the lead. Blake Walker (Texas Wesleyan) began the inning with a groundball that shortstop Scott Wingo (South Carolina) could not handle. Walker advanced to second on a fielder’s choice by Kleinknect and scored on an RBI single by Myckie Lugbauer (Maine) cutting the lead to 2-1. Lugbauer would tie the game on a Brett Thomas (North Carolina) pinch-hit hit.

Gastonia would leave two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth inning which forced the game into extra innings. Florence would break the tie in the top of the tenth inning, Jamie Walczak (Mercyhurst College) led off with a walk and scored on a Blake Walker triple to make it a 3-2 game.

The Grizzlies continued to show their never say die attitude at Sims Legion Park; Brandon Casamassima led off the bottom of the tenth with a single and advanced to second when Ty Nelson was hit by a pitch. Daniel Benner (Montreat) would pinch run for Nelson, a wild pitch would advance both runners and caused RedWolves closer Tio McLean (Tusculum) to intentionally walk Lucas Martin (Belmont Abbey) to load the bases with no outs. A passed ball allowed Casamassima to score and tie the game at 3, both base runners would advance. Payden Houser (Tusculum) hit a ground ball to third and Andrew Guerra (St. Louis) was able to tag Daniel Benner and record the first out of the inning. Chad Dawkins then hit a walk off single to left field just over the head of Blake Walker (Texas Wesleyan) to give the Grizzlies a 4-3 win.

The Grizzlies (5-7) will travel to Asheboro (4-10) to take on the Copperheads Friday at 7:05 PM.

Chad Dawkins 2-4 with a game winning RBI in the bottom of the tenth inning.

Three Grizzlies Named to CPL All Star Teams

7/17/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies are pleased to announce that three players have been named to the Coastal Plain League All Star Teams. Tyler Musselwhite (South Carolina) and Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) were named to the National CPL All Star Team while Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) was named to the American CPL All Star Team.

Musselwhite is the team leader with a 4.19 ERA, and is tied for the team lead with three wins. He is second in the CPL with 53 strike outs, only trailing Alex Fairweather from Asheboro.

Ford leads the Grizzlies with 23 RBIs and is tied for second on the team with one home run. Ford also compiled a nine game hitting streak.

Behrendt is the team leader with a .350 batting average and tied for second with 11 stolen bases. Behrendt had an 11 game hitting streak from June 19th until July 3rd where he hit .489 with 10 RBIs.

“Tyler, Daniel and Kyle are very deserving of this honor and should represent the Grizzlies well at the All-Star game,” said General Manager Jesse Cole. “They have had outstanding seasons and have been leaders for the Grizzlies all summer.”

The Asheboro Copperheads, in conjunction with the Coastal Plain League, will host the All-Star Game and festivities beginning on Monday, July 21st and running thru Tuesday, July 22nd. Game time is set for 7:05 p.m. on July 22nd.

CPL All Star Game Tuesday, July 22nd

Tyler Musselwhite, 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA

Daniel Ford, .309 1 home run and 23 RBIs

Casamassima's Two-Run Home Run Leads 6-4 Win Over Martinsville Mustangs.

7/15/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies hit two home runs for the first time since August 2007, leading the Grizzlies to a 6-4 win. Brandon Casamassima hit a two run shot in the bottom of the third inning while Kaleb Herren hit a solo shot in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Grizzlies fell behind 2-0 after the top of the first inning due to defensive miscues. Ryan LaPensee (Wayne State) led off the game by being hit by a pitch by Grizzlies starter Brent Davis (Saint Edwards), and promptly stole second base. Zach Boyette (Barton College) laid down a bunt down the first baseline, and reached safely as Davis and Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) both ran after the ball. Before Ford or Davis could react LaPensee came around to score and give the Mustangs a 1-0 lead. Boyette would give the Mustangs a 2-0 lead on a fielder's choice by Matt Schneider (Erskine).

Gastonia would get a run back in the bottom of the first inning, Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) led off with a double, and advanced to third base on a fielder’s choice by Brandon Casamassima (Marshall). A sacrifice fly to centerfield by Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) scored Lopez and cut the lead in half.

Two more Grizzlies would score in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs, Bryant Lopez reached on a bunt single and scored on a two-run home run by Brandon Casamassima to right-center field to give the Grizzlies a 3-2 lead.

The Mustangs would tie the game in the top of the fourth inning, Sam Palace (Florida Tech) reached on an error by Brandon Casamassima and advanced to third base on a single by Jeff Richard (Coastal Carolina). Palace scored on a Ryan Self sacrifice fly to right field which tied the game at 3.

Gastonia would again regain the lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, this time on a solo home run by Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) to left field, to give the Grizzlies a 4-3 lead.

Martinsville would to tie the game at 4 in the top of the fifth inning. Jeff Butler (Lafayette) earned a one out walk and after stealing second base, advanced to third base on a sacrifice fly by Matt Schneider (Erskine). A wild pitch by Grizzlies starter Brent Davis allowed Butler to score.

The Grizzlies again took the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, this time the lead would hold. Payden Houser (Tusculum) led off with a single and advanced to second on a bunt single by Bryant Lopez. After advancing to third base on a Brandon Casamassima sacrifice fly, Houser scored on Kyle Behrendt's second sacrifice fly of the night to give the Grizzlies a 5-4 lead.

Brent Davis got into trouble in the top of the seventh inning as Ryan LaPensee led off with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Zach Boyette. Davis then walked Jeff Butler to put runners on the corners. Brian Greene (Montreat) came into the game and after getting Matt Schneider (Erskine) to strike out, was able to get out of the inning with a ground out by Bobby Greene (Florida Gulf coast).

The Grizzlies added an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh inning, with two outs Brandon Casamassima singled and stole second base. A single by Kyle Behrendt scored Casamassima making it a 6-4 game, Casamassima was the third run Behrendt drove in on the night.

The Grizzlies bullpen (Brian Greene, Derek Ward (Louisiana at Monroe), Tommy Roebuck (Lamar)) threw a perfect two and two-thirds innings of work, while striking out two.

The Grizzlies (4-7) will host the Florence Redwolves on Thursday night at 7 P.M.

Brandon Casamassima; 2-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBIs. Hit a 2-run Home Run in the bottom of the third inning.

Kaleb Herren, hit a solo Home Run in the fourth inning.

Bryant Lopez 3-4 with two runs scored.

Grizzlies Fall 16-4 in Thomasville

7/13/08

THOMASVILLE, N.C. -  The Grizzlies losing streak continued Sunday afternoon at Finch Field, as the Thomasville HiToms continued their hot ways with a 16-4 win over the Grizzlies.

Gastonia trailed 6-0 going into the third inning when the Grizzlies began to chip away. Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) led off the inning with a walk and advanced to third on an error by HiToms shortstop Ben Thielsen (UNC-Wilmington). Payden Houser's RBI single to right field scored Nelson and cut the lead to 6-1.

In the fifth inning with two outs Chad Dawkins singled and after stealing second and third, scored on a fielding error by third baseman Yogi Gunther (Mississippi) to make it a four run game.

Thomasville put the game away with two runs in the sixth inning and then in the seventh inning sent 13 men to the plate and scored eight runs in route to a 16-4 victory.

The Grizzlies (3-7) will host the Martinsville Mustangs Tuesday at 7:05 PM.

Thomasville sweeps Doubleheader

7/12/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The Gastonia Grizzlies fell twice at the hands of the Thomasville HiToms on Saturday night at Sims Legion Park; the Grizzlies were one hit by Justin Sarratt (Clemson) in the first game (1-0) and gave up six runs in the fourth inning of game two to fall 7-3.

In the first game the HiToms scored the lone run of the game in the top of the first inning. Wes Hobson (Appalachian State) led off the game with a double and scored on a RBI single by Josh Liles (Tennessee) to give the HiToms a 1-0 lead.

From that point on it was a classic pitching duel between the Grizzlies' Chris Kupillas (Central Michigan) and Justin Sarratt. Sarratt did not give up a hit to a Grizzlies hitter until the fifth inning when Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) hit a single up the middle. Sarratt faced one over the minimum while striking out nine Grizzlies, Kupillas also went the distance allowing one run on four hits with four strikeouts. Kupillas has been the losing pitcher in each of Gastonia's three shutouts.

In the second game the Grizzlies had a quick two to nothing lead after scoring a run in the first and third innings. In the first Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) singled, reached second base on a fielder’s choice and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. A Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) single would score Behrendt and gave the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. Behrendt came through again in the bottom of the third inning with a leadoff walk; he would come around to extend the lead to 2-0 on a Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) RBI double.

The wheels came off in the top of the fourth inning as the HiToms sent eleven batters to the plate, after Ian Waldron (Arizona Western) got the first out, the next eight batters reached safely, and six scored to give the HiToms a 6-2 lead.  The inning was highlighted by a bases clearing double by Michael Hornsby (Tennessee).

Gastonia responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the fourth inning, Bryant Lopez reached and advanced to second base on an error on the shortstop Michael Hornsby, and after a Scott Wingo (South Carolina) bunt single moved him to third, he scored on a wild pitch to cut the lead to 6-3. But it would be too little too late as Thomasville added a run in the top of the fifth inning and held the Grizzlies hitless from that point on. The HiToms bullpen retired all six men they faced.

The Grizzlies (3-6) will travel to Thomasville (8-1) tomorrow for a 5 PM game.

Ryan LaPensee Leads Mustangs over Grizzlies 7-3.

7/11/08

GASTONIA, N.C. -  Ryan LaPensee (Wayne State) was too much for the Grizzlies as the Martinsville Mustangs defeated the Grizzlies 7-3 on Friday night at Sims Legion Park. LaPensee went 2-2 with three runs scored in the winning effort.

The Mustangs jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Ryan LaPensee led off the game with a solo home run to left field to give Martinsville a 1-0 lead.

Gastonia would take their only lead in the bottom of the second inning when Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) and Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin)  reached, Casamassima would score on a Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) RBI single and Nelson scored on a Payden Houser (Tusculum) fielder's choice to give the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead.

Martinsville tied the ball game at two in the top of the third inning. Ryan LaPensee doubled to lead off the inning and advanced to third on a fielder's choice. A suicide squeeze by Jeff Butler (Lafayette) would score LaPensee and tie the game up at 2. Martinsville would take the lead for good in the fifth inning, with two outs LaPensee worked a full count walk and after stealing second scored on a Zach Boyette (Barton College) RBI double to give Martinsville a 3-2 lead.

The Mustangs would push across a run in each of the sixth and seventh innings before adding two more in the top of the ninth inning. The Grizzlies would score their last run in the bottom of the eighth inning as Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) reached on a fielder’s choice and after stealing second base, scored on a RBI single by Brandon Casamassima to cut the lead to 5-3.

Grizzlies Starter Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) went seven innings and recorded 11 strike outs, the most strike outs by a Grizzlies pitcher on the season.

Gastonia (3-4) will host Thomasville (6-1) in a doubleheader beginning at 6 PM Saturday afternoon.

NASCAR Big Night Rained Out

7/9/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - The arrival of NASCAR Superstars Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson and Kasey Kahne to Sims Legion Park was postponed due to the Grizzlies rainout on Wednesday night.  As of press time NASCAR night has not been rescheduled and the future appearances of Gordon, Johnson and Kahne are in jeopardy.

The Grizzlies hoped bringing in Gordon, Johnson and Kahne for autographs and pictures would boost attendance.  Other plans included having all three compete in the Dizzy Bat contest as well as the Diamond Dash where they race around the bases and put on Grizzlies uniforms.

“Obviously this is a big disappointment for our entire organization,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  “We knew bringing in three NASCAR stars would help attendance, we just didn’t know by how much.”   

The Grizzlies even added an extra ticket taker for the game as well as bringing in added security. 

Last Thursday the Grizzlies had their biggest night in history drawing 3,355 fans against the Forest City Owls.

“We thought we could build on that night and the only logical move was to bring in Jeff Gordon, Jimmy Johnson and Kasey Kahne,” said General Manager Jesse Cole.  We promise to do whatever we can to bring these stars back to Gastonia.”

The Grizzlies next game will be Friday night against the Martinsville Mustangs.  It is Hometown Heroes night honoring police officers, firefighters and EMT’s.  The Grizzlies are also giving away Thunderstix that can be used to make noise or hit the person next to you with.  The Grizzlies are expecting over 1,500 people on Friday night.

Jeff Gordon, currently sixth in Spring Cup Standings

Jimmy Johnson, fifth in Sprint Cup standings,

Kasey Kayne, sits eighth in Sprint Cup Standings.

Grizzlies Win on Road, Defeat Forest City 7-5.

7/8/08

FOREST CITY, N.C. - The Grizzlies ended their road woes with a 7-5 win against the Forest City Owls at McNair Field. Gastonia was led by Ty Nelson and Chad Dawkins who each scored two runs.

Gastonia began the scoring with two in the top of the second inning. With two outs Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) reached on an error by Mevin Mailloux (Canisus) and would move to third base on a double by Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist). A Payden Houser (Tusculum) double would score both Nelson and Collazo and gave Gastonia a 2-0 lead.

Forest City would cut the lead in half in the bottom of the second inning, Rich Racobaldo (Mt. Olive) worked a leadoff walk and stole second and third base. Racobaldo would score on a groundball to third which cut the lead to 2-1.

The Grizzlies got that run back in the top of the third inning when Chad Dawkins (Montreat) led off with a single and moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Scott Wingo (South Carolina). Daniel Ford's (Lenoir-Rhyne) single would score Dawkins with the third Grizzlies run and extend the lead back to two.

The lead would be short lived, Mike McKee (North Carolina) doubled and scored on a Jordan Petraitis (Miami of Ohio) double to cut the lead to 3-2. Petraitis would later score on a wild pitch to tie the game at 3. Rich Racobaldo worked a walk and stole second and advanced to third when the ball went past the catcher Ty Nelson. Racobaldo gave the Owls a 4-3 lead on a Will Skinner (Walters State) single.

Ty Nelson led off the fourth inning with a single and advanced to third base on a Josh Collazo double. Nelson would later score on a fielding error by first baseman Thomas Morrison (Columbus State) to tie the game at 4. Gastonia would take the lead in the fifth inning when with two outs Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) singled and after stealing second advanced to third on a wild pitch. Herren would score on another wild pitch by Owl's starter Zane Petty (Francis Marion) to give the Grizzlies a 5-4 lead.

Grizzlies’ starter Tyler Musselwhite (South Carolina) went six innings, allowing four runs all earned with six strike outs to earn his third win.

Gastonia would add a run in each of the seventh and eighth innings, reliever Stephen McCormick (Erskine) walked the only two batters he faced to begin the seventh. Ford and Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Kaleb Herren,  Ford moved to third and Casamassima to second. Ford would score on a RBI fielder's choice by Josh Collazo which extended the lead to 6-4. In the eighth inning Chad Dawkins doubled and stole second, and would score on a wild pitch by Jamall Hollis (Miami of Ohio) to extend the lead to 7-4.

The Owls would score their fifth and final run in the bottom of the eighth inning when Mike McKee singled and reached second on a throwing error by Brandon Casamassima. A RBI single by Rich Racobaldo would score McKee and cut the lead to 7-5.

Gastonia (3-3) will host the Thomasville HiToms (5-1) on Wednesday Night at 7 PM from Sims Legion Park.

Ty Nelson 1-2 with two runs and two walks

Chad Dawkins 2-5 with two runs scored

Peyden Houser, 2-Run single in second inning

Grizzlies Shut Out Again by Fayetteville

7/5/08

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - Despite seven solid innings from starter Chris Kupillas (Central Michigan), the Grizzlies were shut out again by the Fayetteville SwampDogs 3-0, and had the bases loaded in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings, each with less than two outs.

Gastonia and Fayetteville were scoreless until the top of the fifth inning when the SwampDogs took the lead, Brett Sowers (Yavapai J.C.) worked the leadoff walk and after stealing second advanced to third base on a fielder's choice by Carter Jurica (Kansas State). A bunt single up the third baseline by Conner Crumbless (Emproia State) would score Sowers with the eventual winning run and gave the SwampDogs a 1-0 lead.

The Grizzlies had their chances, in the seventh inning Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) singled and advanced to second on a Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) single. After a Chester Wilson pop out to the Catcher chris Schaffer (N.C. State), Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) was hit by a pitch to load the bases with one out. SwampDogs starting Pitcher Aaron Martin (Illinois) was able to get out of the bases loaded jam by getting Chad Dawkins to ground into a double play to the shortstop Connor Crumbliss.

Fayetteville would score two insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Brett Sowers again led off the inning with a walk and moved over to second on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Schaffer. Carter Jurica's single to right field scored Sowers and gave Fayetteville a 2-0 lead, Jurica would score the SwampDogs' third run on an RBI single by Kevin Hussey (Utah).

Kupillas went seven innings, allowing nine hits and allowing three runs with six strikeouts.

In each of the eighth and ninth inning the Grizzlies would load the bases with no outs and could not score. In the eighth inning with the bases loaded reliever Jeff Ibarra (Lee) got Keleb Herren (Oklahoma) to strike out before getting a double play ball from Josh Collazo. In the ninth with the bases loaded closer Parker Bangs (South Carolina) got a shallow fly out to right field before getting his college teammate Scott Wingo to ground into a game ending double play to short.

The Grizzlies (2-3) will travel to Forest City (0-4) on Tuesday to battle the Owls at McNair field.

Road Woes Continues As Grizzlies Fall in Wilson

7/4/08

WILSON, N.C. -The Grizzlies had a solid starting performance from Brent Davis (Saint Edwards) but could not score runs as the Wilson Tobs won 6-2.

Wilson scored the first runs of the ballgame in the bottom of the fourth inning, as Derek Simmons (Georgia State) began the inning with a leadoff walk and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Packy Elkins (Belmont). An RBI triple by Chris McGhee (Louisiana State) would score Simmons to make it a 1-0 game. McGhee would score on a bunt by Cam Freeman (East Carolina) which gave the Tobs a 2-0 lead.

Gastonia would get a run back in the top of the fifth inning as Payden Houser (Tusculum) singled and advanced to third base on a throwing error by pitcher Brian Moran (North Carolina). Chad Dawkins (Montreat) would ground into a double play that would score Houser and cut the lead to 2-1.

The Tobs would add two more runs in the seventh inning when Matt Sanders (Clemson) singled to lead off the inning. Justin Parks' (West Virginia) single would move Sanders to left and a walk to Derek Simmons would load the bases with two outs. Sanders and Parks would score on a two run single by Packy Elkins to extend the lead to 4-1.

Grizzlies’ starter Brent Davis went 6.2 innings, allowing 4 runs all earned on nine hits and four strikeouts.

The Grizzlies would not go quietly as with one out in the top of the eighth inning Scott Wingo (South Carolina) hit a triple to right field off of the wall, and scored on an RBI single by Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) to cut the lead to 2.

The Wilson Tobs got two runs off of Grizzlies reliever Brian Greene (Montreat) in their half of the eighth. Cam Freeman led off with a single and would move to second on a fielder's choice. Matt Sanders (Clemson) hit an RBI single to score Freeman, and would come around to score the Tobs 6th run on Justin Park's two out single to give Wilson a 6-2 lead.

The Grizzlies (2-2) will travel to Fayetteville to battle the SwampDogs Saturday night at 7 PM.

Grizzlies Continue Hot Streak at Home

7/3/08

GASTONIA, N.C. - 3355 fans set a new Grizzlies attendance record, and they saw the Grizzlies defeat their rival Forest City Owls 9-5 at Sims Legion Park on Thursday night. Bryant Lopez scored four runs in the winning effort.

The Owls scored first in the top of the first inning as Wade Moore (N.C. State) began the game with a walk, and after stealing second base scored on a Kevin Mahoney (Canisius) double to give the Owls a 1-0 lead. After stealing second base Mahoney scored on an RBI single by Kevin Maillioux (Canisius) to give the Owls a 2-0 lead.

The lead would be quickly erased as Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) reached on a fielder’s choice, and promptly stole second. On the slide Behrendt's left arm was spiked by the shortstop Taylor Black (Spartanburg Methodist), Behrendt would end up leaving the game and would go to the hospital. After meeting with an orthopedic specialist it was determined that he did not break any bones but the hand and arm will be reexamined on Monday.

Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) would come into the game as the pinch runner and moved to third after back to back walks to Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) and Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) to load the bases. Kaleb Herren (Oklahoma) hit a single up the middle to score Lopez and cut the deficit to 2-1. Ford would score on a Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) sacrifice fly to tie the game at 2.

The Grizzlies would put two more runs on the board in the bottom of the second inning with two outs. Chad Dawkins (Montreat) walked and stole second and third base before being knocked in by a Bryant Lopez bunt single up the first base line to give the Grizzlies a 3-2 lead. Lopez would later score on an RBI single by Daniel Ford to extend the lead to 4-2.

Forest City would tie the game up in the top of the third inning, Kevin Mahoney led off the inning with a home run to right field to cut the lead to 4-3, Rich Racobaldo (Mount Olive) reached on a fielding error by Grizzlies shortstop Scott Wingo (South Carolina) and advanced to third on a single by Kevin Maillioux (Canisius). Rocobaldo would later score on a fielder's choice by Thomas Morrison (Columbus State) to tie the game at 4.

The Grizzlies would pull ahead for good in the bottom of the fourth inning when Bryant Lopez worked a two out walk, and after stealing second came around to score on a Daniel Ford RBI double to give the Grizzlies the 5-4 lead.

Gastonia struck for three more in the bottom of the sixth inning, Payden Houser (Tusculum) led off with a single, moved over to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Scott Wingo and after a Chad Dawkins walk Bryant Lopez reached on an error by reliever Zane Petty (Francis Marion) to load the bases. Houser and Dawkins would score on a two-run single by Daniel Ford to give the Grizzlies a 7-4 lead. Lopez would later score on a Brandan Casamassima single to give Gastonia an 8-4 lead.

In the bottom of the seventh inning Ty Nelson (Tennessee-Martin) led off with a single, he would move to third base on a two base sacrifice bunt by Payden Houser and scored on an RBI single to Scott Wingo to give the Grizzlies a 9-4 lead.

The Owls cut the lead to four in the top of the eighth inning when Kevin Maillioux hit a solo home run to right field to make it a 9-5 ballgame, but that would be the last run scored on the night.

Gastonia (2-1) will travel to Wilson, first pitch at 7:05.

Kyle Behrendt’s hitting streak ended at 11 games after being pulled in the home half of the first inning.

Bryant Lopez 1-2 with 4 runs scored.

Daniel Ford 3-4 with 4 RBIs.

Grizzlies Fall in Martinsville 4-3

7/2/08

MARTINSVILLE, VA -The Grizzlies road woes continued Wednesday night as the bullpen could not hold a 3-1 lead, the Grizzlies fell 4-3 to the Martinsville Mustangs.

The Grizzlies scored first in the top of the first inning with two outs Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) walked and scored on a Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) double to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead, Collazo would then score on a Chester Wilson (Southern Utah) single to extend the lead to 2-0.

In the second inning Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) extended his hitting streak to ten games with a single to right field, he would later score on a Josh Collazo RBI fielder's choice to give the Grizzlies a 3-1 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth inning the Mustangs got to Grizzlies starter Tyler Musselwhite (South Carolina), Ryan LaPensee (Wayne State) reached on a fielder’s choice and would score on a fielding error by first baseman Chester Wilson, cutting the lead to 3-1. Musselwhite threw 35 pitches in the inning and stranded the bases loaded for the second time in the ball game.

Musselwhite recorded eight strike outs, 1 run that was unearned in five innings of work.

The floodgates opened in the bottom of the sixth inning against reliever Brian Greene (Montreat), as the Mustangs would send 7 batters to the plate. With one out Zach Boyette (Barton College) singled and after stealing second base scored on an RBI triple by Jeff Butler (Lafayette) to left-center field making it a 3-2 ballgame. Butler would score on a bunt single by Ryan LaPensee to tie the game at 3. LaPensee would later score on a single by Ryan Self (East Tennessee State) which gave the Mustangs a 4-3 lead.

Keith Para came in relief for the Grizzlies and recorded two strike outs in two innings of work alowing one hit and no runs.

The Grizzlies (1-1) will host Forest City (0-2) on Thurssday at 7 PM.

Grizzlies Begin Second Half of CPL Season with a Win

7/1/08

GASTONIA, N.C. -A tenth inning walk-off RBI single by Brandon Casamassima helped lead the Grizzlies over the Forest City Owls 8-7 on Tuesday afternoon at Sims Legion Park.

Forest City struck for three runs in the top of the first inning when Kevin Mahoney (Canisius) hit a three run home run to right-center field, scoring Wade Moore (N.C. State) and Chris Nadeau (Ohio) and gave Forest City a 3-0 lead.

Gastonia would begin to chip away at the lead, with one out in the bottom of the first inning Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) continued his red hot ways with a single, he would later score on a Brandon Casamassima (Marshall) single to cut the lead to 3-1. In the bottom of the second inning Kyle Behrendt's double to left centerfield scored Chester Wilson (Southern Utah) and Chad Dawkins (Montreat) which tied the game up at 3.

Forest City would pull ahead in the top of the fourth inning, as Rich Racobaldo (Mt. Olive College) doubled and scored on a Brian Fogle (Erskine) single  to give the Owls a 4-3 lead, the fifth Owls run would score when Thomas Morrison (Columbus State) scored on a Taylor Black (Spartanburg Methodist) single that went through the left-hand side of the infield and gave the Owls a 5-3 lead.

Gastonia got those two runs back in the bottom of the sixth inning with two outs Scott Wingo (South Carolina) reached on a drag bunt single, moved over to third after back to back walks to Dawkins and Behrendt. With the bases loaded Daniel Ford (Lenoir-Rhyne) hit a two run single to right field to score Wingo and Dawkins and tie the game up at 5.

The Owls would again gain the lead in the top of the eighth inning when Rich Racobaldo singled through the left-hand side of the infield and after stealing second advanced to third on a throwing error by Chris Henderson. Rocobaldo would score on a wild pitch thrown by Derek Ward (Louisiana at Monroe) and gave the Owls a 6-5 lead.

The Grizzlies gained their first lead in the bottom of the eighth inning when Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) singled and advanced to second base after Scott Wingo was hit with a pitch. Both runners would advance when Chad Dawkins walked to load the bases. Kyle Behrendt's RBI single up the middle scored Lopez to tie the game at 6. The Grizzlies took the lead when Wingo scored on a fielder’s choice by Daniel Ford.

The Owls tied the game in the top of the ninth inning when Chris Nadeau singled and reached third base on a two base fielding error by Josh Collazo. Nadeau would score on a Sacrifice fly to center field in which Chad Dawkins made an incredible running catch which only allowed Nadeau to score.

Grizzlies’ reliever Derek Ward looked good, going three innings striking out six batters and only allowing 1 hit and an unearned run.

Chad Dawkins led off the bottom of the tenth inning with a single and after stealing second base moved to third on a wild pitch. Forest City would intentionally walk Daniel Ford and reliever Kyle Jones (Mt. Olive College) got Josh Collazo (Oklahoma Baptist) to fly out to right field. With two-outs Brandon Casamassima hit a single down the third base line that Kevin Mahoney could not get to which scored Dawkins with the winning run.

The Grizzlies (1-0) will travel to Martinsville to face the Mustangs Wednesday night at 7:20 PM.

Brandon Casamassima 2-5 with 2 RBI including the game winning walk off RBI.

Kyle Behrendt (3-5) with 3 RBIs, extending his hitting streak to 10 games.

Fayetteville Swampdogs shutout Grizzlies 8-0

6/30/08

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Gastonia Grizzlies were shutout for the first time in 2008, as the Fayetteville Swampdogs ended the Grizzlies home winning streak on Monday by a score of 8-0.

The Swampdogs scored their first run in the top of the first inning when leadoff hitter Conner Crumbliss (Emporia State) doubled; he would advance to third on a single by Jon Selby (California University of Pennsylvania). Crumbliss would score when Chris Kupillas' (Central Michigan) pickoff attempt resulted in an error, and the Swampdogs were on top 1-0.

In the top of the fourth inning the Swampdogs struck for another run, Nick Fleece (Texas A&M) worked a one out walk, and moved to second on a Jason King (Kansas State) single. Chris Schaffer's (N.C. State) RBI single scored Fleece from second and gave Fayetteville a 2-0 lead.

Chris Kupillas in his first start of the season went four innings, striking out five while allowing two runs, one of which was earned.

The wheels came off in the top of the sixth inning off of reliever Ian Waldron (Arizona Western) as he could not retire a batter in his second inning of work. Nick Fleece led off the inning with a single and moved to second on a Jason King single. Carter Jurica (Kansas State) then walked on four pitches to load the bases. Waldron then hit Chris Schaffer with a pitch to score Fleece with the Swampdogs third run. King would score and the batters would move up on a wild pitch by Waldron. Conner Crumbliss' two run double scored Jurica and Schaffer and the Swampdogs had a 6-0 lead.

The Swampdogs would score another run in each of the seventh and eighth innings. Chris Schaffer hit a solo homerun to left field in the seventh inning and Alex Vertcnik (mount Olive) singled and later scored on Nick Fleece's sacrifice fly to give the Swampdogs an 8-0 lead.

The Grizzlies (9-17) will host the first half CPL West Champion Forest City Owls (17-10) on Tuesday afternoon at 12 PM.

Grizzlies Win Fifth Straight at Sims Legion Park

6/29/08

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Grizzlies worked their comeback magic to erase 6-1 and 7-6 deficits on the road to a 10-7 victory. Kyle Behrendt (Wofford) went 4-5 with 4 RBI singles and Bryant Lopez (North Central Texas) scored four runs.

The HiToms began the scoring in the second inning when Chris McGuiness (Citadel) doubled, he would score on a fielding error by Bryant Lopez to give the HiToms a 1-0 lead. CJ Beatty (North Carolina A&T) reached on the Lopez error and would score on an RBI Single by Blake Forsythe (Tennessee) to give the HiToms a 2-0 lead.

The Grizzlies got a run back in the bottom of the third inning after Bryant Lopez worked a walk, only the second walk HiToms starting pitcher John Anderson (Louisiana Tech) had given up on the season, he moved to second after Scott Wingo (South Carolina) was hit by