ELLERBE — The Ellerbe Middle School baseball team has hit a hot streak down the final stretch of the season, winning its third-straight game Monday against Sandy Grove Middle School. It was also the Wildcats’ fourth win in their last five tries.
Ellerbe defeated the Panthers 5-1 behind another complete game from eighth grader Brycen Goodwin. The righty tossed seven innings, allowed just one run on seven hits and struck out three batters. It was his fourth win of the spring, and his second complete game in as many times out.
Seventh grader Vance Goodwin helped put the game away with a two-RBI single in the bottom of the second inning. Sixth grader Brooks Calhoun led the team with two hits on the afternoon.
Vance Goodwin helped end a Panther rally in the seventh inning at short with a double play. He fielded a ground ball, tagged second and fired a missile to first base to finish the play. Other Wildcats to collect a hit were Mason Murray and Thomas Lampley.
“We played the cleanest defensive game we’ve play all season,” head coach Allen Adeimy said. “Sandy Grove put the ball in play all afternoon and we made play after play. Vance had a timely hit and we managed to scratch a few runs by getting on base and running aggressively.”
With the win, the Wildcats improved to 5-4 on the campaign and will close the season at home against SEMSAC leader Carver Middle School. First pitch is at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Lady Wildcats fall to Sandy Grove
On the softball field, the Lady Wildcats surrendered a 20-4 decision to the visiting Lady Panthers. Collecting hits for Ellerbe were Ally Maynor, Mikayla English and Kailey McInnins.
The loss moved Ellerbe’s record to 0-9, and the Lady Wildcats will also close their regular season at home against Carver at 4 p.m.
Game information and statistics provided by Allen Adeimy.
