Mustangs hammer Eastern Pike 12-2
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
DODSONVILLE - The pitching was backed up by run support for the Lynchburg-Clay Mustangs in a non-league matchup. The Mustangs compiled 12 runs on 10 hits, defeating Eastern Pike 12-2 in six innings Friday afternoon.
LC scored runs in the first three innings and hammered in five runs in the bottom of the sixth for the run-rule win.
In each of the first two innings LC scored one run to take a 2-0 lead.
"To get the momentum early in the season with two wins in less than 24 hours is something to build on next week," LC head coach Aric Fiscus said.
Dalton Cox opened the first by taking three bases on a lead-off triple to left field, showing not only power but his speed on the bases. Cox scored on a passed ball for the first run of the game.
In the second inning, Austin Fawley doubled to left field and took third on a passed ball. An error by the Eastern Pike first baseman allowed Fawley to put the Mustangs up by two runs.
While LC was adding runs to the scoreboard, LC pitcher Cody Roush took care of business on the hill.
Roush (1-0) kept EPHS scoreless through four innings, wrapping up the game with five innings on the mound to earn the win. The four-year varsity player allowed two runs (both earned) on three hits and three walks. Both runs came in the fifth inning. Scoring for EP were Watkins and Conley of a two-run home run by Conley.
"Cody has seen most every situation a pitcher can see in his four years at the varsity level," Fiscus said. "He got out of jams, and not a lot is going to rattle him."
With Roush controlling the top part of the innings with his pitching for five innings, the bottom of the third and sixth belonged to the Mustang offense. In each inning, LC scored five runs.
The first five-run inning started with Roush forcing a walk, then stealing second. He took third on a passed ball. With one out, Fawley walked and stole second base.
Ryan Doss hit a sacrifice fly to the outfield to bring home Roush.
Kris Moberly RBI singled in Fawley. Dallas Puckett followed with a single and Wes Pierson was hit by a pitch to reach first. With two outs, Cox singled and Harp forced a walk.
Along with the first two runs of the inning, Moberly, Puckett and Pierson all crossed home plate for runs.
Scoring runs in the sixth for LC were Roush, Doss, Fawley, Moberly and Dakota Dye.
"Our main thing is to put pressure on our opponent," Fiscus said. "Fundamentally, we made a couple base running mistakes. I told the guys those are the type of mistakes we can't make in a close game. Overall, though, I am pleased with what we have accomplished."
Cox ended the game with his second three-base hit for two RBIs. Cox finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs, two walks and one run.
"Dalton is on a tear," Fiscus said. "He is ripping the ball everywhere. He has had three triples in two days, and as our catcher, he is doing well behind the plate. All around, he has played a couple great games."
Fawley also went 3-for-3 with three runs and two RBIs. Harp and Moberly also recorded RBIs.
Dye pitched one inning of relief for LC Friday. He struck out three and walked one, while allowing no hits or runs.
The wins jumps LC to 2-0 overall.
BOX SCORE
SCORE BY INNINGS
EPHS - 000 020 x - 2 3 1
LCHS - 115 005 x - 12 10 1
[[In-content Ad]]