SAUGET — In a span of just a few hours Gateway shortstop Vladimir Frias has gone from being a Grizzlie to a Cub.

The Grizzlies announced Tuesday that Frias' contract has been purchased by the Chicago Cubs.

'That what this is all about," Grizzlies manager Phil Warren said. "As much as we want to keep this club together, this is what the Frontier League is all about -- moving guys on. It is a great opportunity for Vlad and we wish him only the best.

"Vladimir, in my opinion, was the best defensive shortstop in the league, and he was starting to hit better."

A 25-year-old shortstop from Los Alcanzzas, Dominican Republic, Frias batted .283 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 32 games with the Grizzlies. One of the top defensive shortstops in the Frontier League, Frias has only three errors so far this season.

Frias will report to Class High A Daytona in the Chicago organization. He has also spent time in both the Boston and San Francisco organizations.

"Vladimir has been around and so he knows the ropes," Warren said. "We just hope he gets a legitimate chance to prove himself."

Grizzlies enjoy 4-2 road trip

Gateway put the finishing touches on a successful 4-2 road trip Monday, edging Southern Illinois 3-2 in 12 innings at Rent One Ballpark in Marion.

Red-hot Rogelio Norris and Chris McClendon drove in runs early and the Grizzlies scored the winning run when Jerod Yakubik drew a bases loaded walk in the top of the 12th to score the winning run.

Gateway got superb pitching in the win. St. Louis native Tim Brown worked the first seven innings, giving up just one earned run. After two scoreless innings by both Richard Barrett and Phillip Reamy, Jordan Cudney pitched the 12th to pick up his third save of the season.

Gateway has now won its last seven series.'

Johnson' streak alive

Gateway infielder Jonathan Johnson extended his streak of reaching base safely to 65 on Monday. The streak is a Frontier League record.

Up Next

Game two of the Grizzlies-Road Warriors series is set for 7:05 p.m. today with a 7:05 p.m. finale Thursday.

River City then invades GCS Ballpark for a three-game series beginning Friday. After an off day Monday, Lake Erie comes to town for a three-game series Aug. 7-9.