LEBANON, Tenn.--Despite early strong pitching, the Cumberland Phoenix fell to Georgia Gwinnett on Friday as the Grizzlies broke the game open in the middle innings and cruised to a 15-0 win.

Cumberland would pick up seven hits in the loss to Georgia Gwinnett as Charlie Rocca would have two. 

Logan Baskin took the loss throwing five complete innings giving up six hits and five runs, four earned. Colson Smith threw three innings before Tyler Spencer closed out the final frame. 

The opening three innings featured a classic pitcher's duel, as Logan Baskins and Gavin LeBlanc traded scoreless frames and kept both offenses in check early.

Payton Fort led the way for the Grizzlies going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. JJ Garcia Trey Smith added four hits and two RBIs. Lance Bratlien, JJ Garcia, and Jackson Legg each added two hits. 

The Grizzlies' pitching staff was dominant throughout, as Gavin LeBlanc, James Sells, Max Miller, Fisher Smith, and Clay Cox combined for a shutout performance. The group held Cumberland to seven hits while recording six strikeouts.

Georgia Gwinnett broke through in the fourth inning when Garcia led off with a double and later scored on a single by Smith to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. The Grizzlies threatened to add more in the inning, but Baskins worked out of the jam to limit the damage.

The momentum shifted in the fifth inning, where Georgia Gwinnett used a four-run frame to extend their lead. Legg drove in Tillery who reached on an error and Espinal, who was hit by a pitch, with a single up the middle. Shortly after, Fort launched a home run down the right-field line to push the advantage to 5-0.

Colson Smith entered in relief for the Phoenix and provided a steady outing, striking out two batters while allowing just one hit.

Cumberland had opportunities to respond, loading the bases with one out in the middle innings, but the Phoenix were unable to capitalize. Aiden McDonald singled and Caleb Royer drew a walk to spark another threat, followed by a walk from Cohl Proctor to load the bases, but once again, the Grizzlies escaped without allowing a run.

Georgia Gwinnett added to their lead in the seventh inning. Legg singled up the middle, and Fort reached on an error to put runners in scoring position. After a strikeout, Watts delivered a two-run single to extend the lead to 7-0. The Grizzlies continued to build momentum, ultimately pushing their advantage to 15-0 heading into the final inning.

Cumberland will look to bounce back tomorrow as they host Georgia Gwinnett for a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., followed by a 2:00 p.m. start for game two at Ernest L. Stockton Field/Woody Hunt Stadium. Fans can listen live on 98.9 WANT FM or watch online at gocumberlandathletics.com.