NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mike Yastrzemski hit a three-run home run and the No. 17 Commodores (1-3) won their home opener 11-4 against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in front of a crowd of 2,031 that stuck out two weather delays.
Yastrzemski capped a five-run third inning with a three-run home run over the US Bank sign in right field to give the Dores a decisive 5-1 lead after the second weather delay. Freshman Chris Harvey notched two hits and two runs, while Anthony Gomez led the Commodores’ offense with three hits.
A 32-minute rain delay in the first inning did little to settle down pitcher Drew VerHagen, who gave up a base hit on his first pitch of the game. He balked with runners on the corners to give the Golden Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. VerHagen earned the win in three innings of work, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out three.
The Commodores evened things up quickly in the bottom of the first, as Conrad Gregor hat a base hit to plate Tony Kemp. Gomez put the Commodores ahead in the third with a two-run single, plating Spencer Navin and Kemp before Yastrzemski hit the decisive bomb.
Brian Miller had a scoreless two innings of relief for the Commodores, fanning five and allowing no hits and no walks. Closer Will Clinard capped the game with a scoreless ninth as the Commodores earned their first win of the season.
Robby Enslen led the offensive effort for the Grizzlies with two RBI on two hits. Oakland used 11 pitchers in the loss.
The Oregon Ducks come to town on Friday for the Commodores’ first weekend series at home this year. The Dores and Ducks will square off Friday at 4 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at noon.
