LEWISTON, Idaho – Three first-inning runs and a complete-game pitching performance have advanced the Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team into the semifinal round of the Avista NAIA World Series for the second straight season following a 9-3 victory against Bellevue University (Neb.) Tuesday afternoon.
The Grizzlies (48-12) will be back on the field Wednesday, May 29, at either 3 p.m. or 7 p.m., against an opponent that will be determined by the outcome of Tuesday’s other World Series games.
Sophomore Nick Barnes drove in four of GGC’s runs for the day, including two in the opening inning. He then scored the third run of the frame on a sacrifice fly by senior Brody Wofford.
Barnes added a sacrifice fly and hit a solo home run to cap his strong offensive performance.
Meanwhile, senior Gregory Loukinen tossed his first complete game of the season, scattering five hits and striking out five batters. The left hander picked up his 10th win of the spring.
“I knew that it was an important game that we needed to win. I knew that the team was looking for me to pitch a strong game. All of my pitches were feeling good and my changeup was my put-away pitch today,” said Loukinen.
GGC added four runs in the fourth inning to extend its lead to a commanding 8-1 advantage.
Sophomore Cam Coursey collected three hits and scored three times from the leadoff spot in the batting order. Sophomore Cord Johnson and Barnes each added two hits as GGC outhit Bellevue (48-16) by a 10-to-5 margin.
Coach’s Corner
“We did a great job of putting pressure on (Bellevue) early. Anytime you’re in an elimination game and get a complete game (pitching performance), it is an amazing thing. That effort saves your pitching staff for later in the tournament. Greg was determined to finish this game and threw a lot of strikes,” said Head Coach Brad Stromdahl.
Turning Point
The Grizzlies jumped out to a fast start by pushing across three runs in the first inning to grab early momentum in the game. Sophomore Nick Barnes drove in a pair of runs with a triple, before scoring on a sacrifice fly.
Key Plays
Top of First
Nick Barnes drove in a pair of runs with a triple to center field
Brody Wofford added a sacrifice fly to bring home Nick Barnes to give the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead
Top of Fourth
Two runs were scored following a Bellevue throwing error on a sacrifice bunt from Brenton Burgess
Cord Johnson and Nick Barnes hit sacrifice flies to cap the team’s four-run inning
Top of Seventh
Nick Barnes connected on a solo home run to center field
Inside The Numbers
- GGC outhit Bellevue by a 10-to-5 margin
- Senior Gregory Loukinen tossed his first complete game of the season to pick up his 10th win
- Sophomore Nick Barnes hit his 11th home run of the season, including his second homer at this year’s Avista NAIA World Series
News & Notes
- GGC improves to 48-12 on the season; Bellevue ends the 2019 season at 48-16
- Georgia Gwinnett College was the No. 5 seed in the 2019 Avista NAIA World Series bracket; Bellevue stood as the No. 9 seed in the double-elimination tournament
- The Grizzlies were ranked No. 4 in the final NAIA Top 25 poll of the regular season
- GGC is making its third trip to the Avista-NAIA World Series; the team advanced to the semifinal round of the 2018 series
- Georgia Gwinnett College is 8-1 in 2019 postseason play
- Tuesday’s meeting marked the first meeting between the two programs
Up Next
Georgia Gwinnett College will play in Avista NAIA World Series semifinals on Wednesday, May 29, at either 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. The opponent will be determined by the outcome of Tuesday’s other games.