The HiToms (16-14, 2-1) win in a 12-6 rout of the Gastonia Grizzlies (15-16, 1-2) at historic Finch Field. The HiToms scored six runs in the bottom of the eight breaking the 6-6 tie, and relief pitcher Josh Thrailkill, Clemson product, collects the win pitching an inning and a third allowing two runs on one hit and fanning two batters.

The HiToms took a 4-1 lead in the third as catcher J.J. Jankowski, Miami (OH), crossed home plate on a run scoring single by Chris Epps, also out of Clemson. Stewart Ijames, outfielder out of Louisville, hit a three-run homerun to cap off the inning. He went 3-for-5 with five RBIs, two doubles, and a homerun. 

Ijames scored again in the fifth as third baseman David Greene, The Citadel, hit an RBI double. The Grizzlies scored one in the fourth, two in the seventh and two in the eight to tie the game at 6-6. 

Eleven batters stepped to the plate in the six run bottom of the eighth for the HiToms. Zack Briggs scored on an error plating the first run, followed by an RBI double by Epps scoring Ryan Curl. Ijames hit a two-RBI double adding to the lead, and Briggs finished off the inning with a run scoring single of his own. 

The HiToms will be in action on Saturday, July 4th, facing the Forest City Owls at 7 p.m. The game will be followed by the Comfort Tech Heating and Air fireworks show. Log on to HiToms.com to purchase tickets in advance. 

The HiToms are a member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 13th season, the Coastal Plain League features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league Web site at http://www.coastalplain.com.