FRANKLIN – Playing in front of their home crowd for the first time in 2024, the only part of Franklin's home opening game that wasn't perfect were the chilly temperatures at McDowell Field on Friday (Mar. 1) afternoon.
 
The Grizzlies (2-2) dominated Hope College (0-2) in an 11-0 win, taking the first of a three-game set between the two sides. Matthew Johnson hurled six brilliant innings and the offense worked nine walks off Flying Dutchmen pitching to take the victory in seven innings.
 
How it Happened
Franklin plated three first inning runs without recording a hit, with five of the first six batters working free passes and two runs scoring off of Hope's pitching miscues. Franklin doubled their lead in the fourth thanks to a two-run Tysen Lipscomb single and Lipscomb scoring later in the inning on a wild pitch.
 
Adam Taylor put the exclamation point on the win, clubbing a two-run home run to cap a five-run sixth and trigger the mercy rule.
 
Inside the Box Score
-Taylor had a team-high three RBI in the game followed by two from both Lipscomb and Daniel Cross.
-Colby Reed and Garrett DeHart worked three walks each.
-Johnson (1-0) was brilliant over six scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out six.
-Mitch Behrle made his Franklin debut on the mound, tossing a scoreless seventh inning.
 
Up Next
Franklin and Hope meet for a Saturday (Mar. 2) double-header at McDowell Field. First pitch of game one is set for noon.