LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Another weekend brings another ranked opponent for the No. 7-ranked Georgia Gwinnett College baseball team at the Grizzly Baseball Complex. This time the Grizzlies will be hosting No. 18 Lyon College (Ark.) in a three-game series starting Friday, March 22, and lasting through Sunday, March 24.
First pitch on Friday’s action is scheduled at 4 p.m., while the games Saturday and Sunday will begin at 1 p.m.
GGC stands 21-7 on the season following a 15-5 victory at Cumberland University (Tenn.) on Wednesday. This followed Tuesday’s home doubleheader sweep against Thomas University (Ga.).
The team is 18-4 on its home turf this season and will be playing against a nationally ranked opponent for the second consecutive weekend. The Grizzlies won two of three games against No. 19 Indiana Tech last week – the fifth straight series triumph since the opening weekend. Overall, GGC has a 10-5 record against ranked opponents this spring.
Sophomore Cam Coursey leads Georgia Gwinnett College’s offensive attack with a .441 batting average, 31 runs scored and 34 RBI. Junior Gabe Austin (.356) is tops on the team with five home runs. Other players hitting .333 or higher this spring are seniors Brenton Burgess (.349) and Brody Wofford (.341) and sophomore Cord Johnson (.333).
The pitching staff has compiled a 3.64 earned run average and allowed nine earned runs in the past 38 innings. Senior left hander Gregory Loukinen has a 6-1 record, a 2.72 ERA and a team-high 49 strikeouts. The relief unit has been particularly strong in the current four-game winning streak. Freshman Alec Kliphouse has recorded four saves in 10 pitching appearances. Senior Matthew Swain is 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in eight appearances out of the bullpen.
MEET THE COACHES
Georgia Gwinnett College: Brad Stromdahl is in his seventh season leading the Grizzlies. He has compiled a 301-98 record in Lawrenceville and has guided the program to two Avista-NAIA World Series appearances. The Grizzlies have advanced to postseason play in all five seasons of eligibility under Stromdahl’s guidance.
Lyon: Tony Roepcke is in his 10th season leading his alma mater. He has posted a 307-201 record and led the Scots to a trip to the NAIA Opening Round in Lawrenceville last season.
WINNING WAYS
The Grizzlies have won six of their last seven games, including four straight contests, and five consecutive weekend series. The team has won 14 of its last 15 games played at the Grizzly Baseball Complex.
RANKED MATCH UP
The Grizzlies host a nationally ranked opponent for the second straight weekend series. Last weekend the team defeated No. 19 Indiana Tech twice. The team has played 15 games against nationally ranked opponents, posting a 10-5 record against those opponents.
300 WINS AND COUNTING
GGC Head Coach Brad Stromdahl achieved his 300th career victory in Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep against Thomas University (Ga.). He now has a 301-98 record in seven seasons in the dugout for the Grizzlies. Two of his teams have played in the Avista-NAIA World Series.
SCOUTING THE SCOTS
Lyon (22-8) is ranked No. 18 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll. Kylan Barnett leads the team with 31 RBI and a .423 batting average. Mack Larson is 5-0 with a 3.80 ERA on the mound.
SERIES HISTORY
The weekend’s series marks the first meeting between the two programs. Even though Lyon played in the 2018 NAIA Opening Round in Lawrenceville last season, the Scots didn’t face Georgia Gwinnett College in that tournament.
FOLLOW THE GRIZZLIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
GGCAthletics.com will be home for the latest news and information regarding the baseball season. Video broadcasts of all home games will be through the Grizzly Digital Network with Matt Mahony providing play-by-play commentary. Keep track of GGC Athletics through the following social media: Twitter (@GGCAthletics), Facebook (GGCAthletics) and Instagram (GGCAthletics).