GRIFFINS CLINCH PLAYOFF BIRTH WITH LATE RALLY

El Cajon — Late rallies are all you need at times.  One of those times was Tuesday, April 26th as the Griffins rallied late to defeat Southwestern 8-6 at Noel Michelson Field.

Griffin (22-14, 15-8 PCAC) Ace Kyle Dobyns (6-4) got the win with a solid start that saw him strike out five while walking none.  Dobyns was backed up by Noa Ponciano who picked up his third save of the season.

How it happened:

• Southwestern (22-16, 13-10 PCAC) put three up in the top of the third.
• With one out in the top of the sixth Zavien Watson launched his ninth home run of the season to left field.  Kaleb Tedokon followed with a single to left.  Two batters later, Sean McGrew went deep to tie the game.
• The Jaguars jumped back on top in the eighth inning with a two-run homer.
• Tedokon was the third straight hit to lead off the bottom of the eighth to drive in Ethan Caschetta.  A Luke Denos bunt single loaded the bags up.  McGrew singled to right to drive in two.  Skyler Agnew followed with a sacrifice fly.  Jared Allen finished the inning off with a single to right.
• Ponciano came in and closed the door after a solo home run for Southwestern.

 Griffin Notes:

• The win clinches the season series against Southwestern and the Griffins clinch a playoff birth.
  • This is the first playoff birth since the State Championship year of 2017.
• Four Griffins recorded multiple hits in the 10-hit outburst.
• McGrew's home run was his fourth of the season.
• Eight was the number of the day.
  • McGrew had his eighth multi-RBI game of the season.
  • Dobyns threw eight innings in his start.
  • It was the eighth multi-HR game of the season.

 The Griffins and Jaguars will play on Thursday at Apache Junction at 2:00 p.m.