The Grizzlies secured a series win by sweeping double header and going 1-1 in the previous over the Garden City Broncbusters at McDonald Stadium. Strong pitching performances and timely hitting allowed Butler to take both games, winning 11-4 in the first match-up and 7-4 in the second, after winning 7-6 and losing 19-8 in the previous doubleheader a couple of days earlier at Williams Stadium.
In the first game, the Grizzlies showed dominance, scoring in four different innings, including a five-run sixth that sealed the victory. With performances by redshirt freshman infielder Alex Coester, who was four for five, one RBI and two runs. The Grizzlies tallied 12 hits and took advantage of eight walks issued by Garden City’s pitching staff.
Redshirt sophomore Bradyn McClure started on the mound, pitching three innings and allowing three runs while striking out four. The Grizzlies then shut down Garden City over the final four innings, giving up just one run and striking out four.
Garden City took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, but Butler responded quickly with a four-run second, with timely hits that were necessary at that point of the game. Despite a two-run third inning for Garden City that cut the lead to 4-3, Butler’s offense was too dominant, and they pulled away late.
In the second game, Butler jumped out to a fast start, scoring four runs in the first inning off Garden City starter Jackson Ray, who struggled with control, issuing four walks in just one inning.
After falling behind 4-0 early, Garden City battled back in the fourth inning, scoring three runs highlighted by a double from Mason Tafoya. However, the Grizzlies held firm, with freshman pitcher Connor Robinson throwing 3.1 scoreless innings and sophomore Jack Haag, earning his third save of the season.
Butler added insurance runs in the seventh inning on a two-run double, extending their lead to 7-4, which was the final score.
The Grizzlies will need to keep the momentum going as their next game is at Walter Johnson Park opposing Coffeyville Ravens today at 3 p.m. The Grizzlies won in the previous opposition, but the same exuberance will be needed.