Guilford Defeats Hand in Season Opener

Apr 2, 2024

Bryce Meder went 6 innings, scattered 4 hits and surrendered 1 run, earning the win as Guilford's opening day starter, in their 6-2 victory over Daniel Hand at GHS Field on Monday afternoon. Colin Pompano and Joe Tafro both drove in a pair of runs, with Pompano going 3 for 4 to lead the Guilford offense in the win.

Hand's only run off Meder came in the top of the 2nd, when Vin Benevento singled and eventually moved to 3rd, before scoring on a wild pitch that gave the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.

In the bottom of the 2nd, back-to-back singles by Pompano and Adam Copeland began the frame, before both would come around to score on a passed ball and a Hand infield error, that gave the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the 4th, Hand intentionally walked Meder to load the bases with 2 outs. But the strategy backfired when Pompano's 2nd hit of the game scored Matt DiNardo and Lucas Ametrano to give Guilford a 4-1 lead heading into the 5th. (video)

In the bottom of the 6th, it was the Grizzlies' left-fielder, Joe Tafro, that came to bat with the bases loaded and delivered another 2-RBI single, that scored Finn Matlosz and Meder to give Guilford a 6-1 lead. (video)

Meder finished his outing after pitching the top of the 6th, before Brandon Rosa and Copeland combined to pitch the 7th. Hand was able to scratch across another run, but could not do any more damage as the Grizzlies wrapped up their 6-2, opening day win.

Up next for the Grizzlies is a trip to Palmer Field in Middletown on Fri., 4/5, where they will take on Middletown HS at 4 pm. Less than 24 hours later they are scheduled to play at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, on Sat. 4/6 - first pitch is 12 noon.