The Mariners started their 2021 GLSCL season this weekend with a game on the road before two at home. Friday evening’s game was in Lima against the rival Locos. The Locos put two runs up in the first inning, but the Mariners responded with a run each in the second, third, and fourth. Lima would add a few more, ultimately winning 5-3. Jordan Bekier (Findlay) only gave up three hits in four innings on the mound, and Joel Roediger (Bowling Green) didn’t give up any earned runs in his three innings pitched.

After losing their opener in Lima, the Mariners showed up impressively on Saturday against the Galion Graders. A five-run third inning led to an eventual 13-3 run-rule win in the eighth inning.

Garrett Felix (Bossier Parish Community College) had a terrific night at the plate – hitting three for four with four RBIs and scoring twice. Gabriel Torres (New Mexico Junior College) also had three hits in five at-bats, with two RBIs and two runs scored.

A combination of Kevin Norton (Lincoln Memorial) and Beau Nichols (Lincoln Memorial) did the job for the Mariners on the mound. Norton gave up just one hit and one earned run through his four innings of work. Nichols had three strikeouts, no walks, and just one earned run in his four innings pitched.

In their Sunday game against the Clippers, the Mariners scored five runs in the fifth to take the lead after Muskegon had put up four runs early, but more scoring in the sixth and seventh for the Clippers gave them a 7-5 victory and pushed the Mariners to 1-2 on the season.

Scoring for the Mariners in the fifth inning was Donnie Stone (Marist), Joe Jimenez (Texas Lutheran), Gabriel Torres, Preston Jones (Tennessee Martin), and Garrett Felix.

Kade Benavidez (New Mexico Junior College) struck out five in his five innings of work. Noah Richard (UNOH) pitched two innings in relief followed by Keegan Gavin (Galveston College) – who didn’t give up any runs in his two innings pitched.

The Mariners face Jet Box, a new team in the GLSCL, Tuesday at 5:35 on the road. The next Mariners home game will take place Saturday (June 12th) at 7:05 against the Sandusky Bay Ice Haulers – who are playing their first games in the GLSCL after their inaugural 2020 season was canceled.