Gateway Grizzlies teammates Jose Rosario (11) and Connor Owings celebrate taking the lead in Saturday’s win over the Joliet Slammers, Saturday night at DuPage Medical Group Field in Joliet. (Photo courtesy Nathan Assata)

by Cedric Williams
Senior Editor

The Gateway Grizzlies sent 10 batters to the plate and scored five runs in the sixth inning, to rally back and defeat the host Joliet Slammers, 6-3, Saturday night at DuPage Medical Group Field.

Rookie infielder Abdiel Diaz got the scoring started with a two-run double, then scored what proved to be the game-winning run himself after stealing third base and then scoring when the Joliet catcher’s wild throw flew into left field.

The Grizzlies then added two more runs on RBI hits by Justin Jones and newcomer Alonzo Jones that helped turn a 3-1 deficit into a 6-3 Gateway lead.

From there, relievers Jorge Tavarez and Tanner Cable held Joliet scoreless over the final four innings to help the Grizzlies improve their record to 26-33.

Tavarez got the win and is now 5-3 on the season, while Cable picked up his first save of the season.

The two teams will play the series finale Sunday at DuPage Medical Group Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.