Guilford Rolls Past East Lyme in 12-3 Win

May 1, 2024

The Guilford offense scored 12 runs on 12 hits as the Grizzlies won their 10th game of the year, 12-3, over the East Lyme Vikings on Wednesday afternoon at GHS Field. Junior, Adam Copeland, earned his 4th win of the year pitching 5 strong innings, with Sophomore, Tanner Smith, and Freshman, Cade Rinehart, each working a scoreless, hitless inning in relief.

Although his day would end up a success, Copeland found himself in a battle as the Vikings came out swinging in the top of the first. After getting the first out, 4 consecutive East Lyme hits and a Guilford infield error gave the Vikes an early 2-0 lead with the bases loaded. But Copeland would bear down and get the final 2 outs without allowing another run - and his team would reward him for his effort in their first turn at bat.

In the bottom of the first, a couple of walks and a East Lyme error allowed the Grizzlies to load the bases with no outs. Then back-to-back RBI singles by Lucas Deshefy and Michael Buccaro quickly tied the game at 2. (videos) With the bases still loaded, back-to-back RBI walks issued to Matt DiNardo & Copeland, gave the Grizzlies a 4-2 lead before the Vikings had recorded an out in the game. Then 2 more Guilford runs would score on a fielder's choice and an East Lyme throwing error, that made it 6-2 as the game headed into the 2nd inning.

East Lyme would score another run in the top of the 2nd on a RBI double by Alex Dreyfus. But that would be the end of the Viking scoring as Copeland, followed by Tanner Smith (6th inn.) and Cade Rinehart (7th inn.) would combine to shut out the Vikings for the rest of the game.

Guilford bumped their lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the 4th when Lucas Ametrano struck a 2-out double, (video) and Colin Pompano would score him on a RBI single. (video)

Then in the bottom of the 6th, the Grizzlies would score 5 more to take a commanding 12-3 lead. Copeland would get things started when he tripled to right, (video) then Brandon Rosa, Bryce Meder, Deshefy & Buccaro would all have RBI hits in the inning before it ended. (videos) In the game, Buccaro would end up going 3 for 4 with 2 RBI, and Deshefy went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and a double.

The Grizzlies are now at 10-3 as they get set for their rematch with Xavier this Friday night, 5/3, at Middletown's Palmer Field - 7:00 pm. first pitch. Then on Monday, 5/6, they will welcome Jonathan Law to GHS Field at 4 pm.