Former Mercer Bear Cory Gearrin Registers First MLB Victory

ATLANTA, Ga. – Former Mercer University baseball standout Cory Gearrin earned his first victory in the big league’s on Tuesday afternoon in Atlanta’s 3-1 extra-inning win over the Houston Astros. Gearrin (1-1/3.18 ERA) pitched one complete inning and was the benefactor of Brian McCann’s walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11^th at Turner Field.

Gearrin came into the game in the top of the 11^th inning, with the score tied at 1-1, in relief of Eric O’Flaherty in the Braves’ lineup. He was Atlanta’s sixth pitcher of the afternoon.

Houston’s first batter – Brian Bogusevic  - laid down a bunt single and then stole second. Gearrin then issued an intentional walk to Brett Wallace to set up the force with none out. He then struck out Matt Downs for the first out, but walked Clint Barmes to load the bases.

Gearrin then induced J.R. Towles to swing at his first pitch, grounding into a 6-4-3 inning-ending double play, making way for McCann’s winning blast in the bottom of the frame.

The outing was the 10^th appearance with the Braves – all in relief – for the 6’3” right-hander Gearrin since being called up from Triple-A Gwinnett back on April 22.