GRIZZLIES GRAB EARLY LEAD AND CRUISE AGAINST OTTERS

Sauget, Ill. - The Gateway Grizzlies scored three runs in the second inning and never looked back on Wednesday night against the Evansville Otters as Gateway cruised to an 8-3 victory at GCS Ballpark.

The Grizzlies (38-37) received a two-run blast to right field from Ben Waldrip in the second to put them ahead 2-0. Logan Davis hit an RBI single later in the frame off Evansville lefty Hunter Ackerman to make it 3-0. 

Ackerman (4-5) struggled throughout the evening while Gateway righty Adam Eggnatz delivered another solid performance. Eggnatz (6-3) went six strong innings while giving up just three runs and striking out six batters.

The Otters (41-30) put together a rally in the third as they plated two runs off Eggnatz to cut Gateway's advantage to 3-2.  

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In the fifth, the Grizzlies exploded for more. Brandon Thomas started the inning with a single while Craig Massoni followed with one of his own. Waldrip later hit a ground ball that scored a run while a throwing error allowed another to come home.  

Josh Bunselmeyer stepped in with two outs and launched a fly ball beyond the left field wall for two-run shot. Bunselmeyer's third homer of the season gave the Grizzlies an 8-2 edge.  

RHP Jon Pusateri relieved Eggnatz in the seventh and tossed two scoreless frames while striking out five. LHP Chris Scarlett put together a quick ninth inning to end the ballgame. 

LISTEN: INTERVIEW WITH JOSH BUNSELMEYER

Bunselmeyer led Gateway's offense with the home run and a triple. Waldrip and Thomas also had two hits a piece. 

The Grizzlies currently sit only a game behind the Normal CornBelters for the second Wild Card spot in the Frontier League standings. 

The Grizzlies and Otters finish a short two-game set on Thursday at GCS Ballpark. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. RHP Will Landsheft (5-6, 4.05 ERA) makes the start for Gateway while Evansville sends RHP Shane Weedman (4-2, 3.14 ERA) to the hill. 

The game can be heard on the Grizzlies Radio Network, which airs Thursday on 1400 AM KJFF and online at www.GatewayGrizzlies.com/Radio. Sam Levitt and Matt Sabados have the call.