SPRING HILL, N.C. — The Ellerbe baseball team saw itself return to the .500 mark with a crucial Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference win last Thursday.
On the road at Spring Hill Middle School, the Wildcats roared to a 16-2 win, capping the game in mercy-rule fashion following five innings of play. Getting the start on the mound for Ellerbe was eighth grader Brycen Goodwin, as he rolled to a complete-game win.
The victory gave Goodwin his team-leading third winning decision of the spring. He gave up just one hit and sat down seven Spartans via the strikeout. Goodwin also limited himself to allowing just one base on balls.
Sixth grader Mason Murray was Ellerbe’s leading hitter on the afternoon, going 3-for-4 with a double and two singles. Other players to record a hit during the game were Goodwin, Jullian Cline, Vance Goodwin, Brent Hayes, Brooks Calhoun, Aiden Rountree and Maurice Singley.
“It was nice to see everyone able to contribute,” head coach Allen Adeimy said. “Our sixth graders are starting to figure things out at the plate. The drop-three bat is really an adjustment for them (in middle school).
“We put the ball in play and threw strikes, which bodes well for us,” he added. “The win keeps our playoff hopes alive, although we’re still kicking ourselves over the last last week at West Hoke (Middle School).”
The win over the Spartans moved Ellerbe’s overall record to 4-4 against SEMSAC opponents. The Wildcats will look to tack on another win on Monday when they host Sandy Grove Middle School at 4 p.m.
Lady Wildcats fall just short of Lady Spartans
The Ellerbe softball team played in a high-scoring affair against the Lady Spartans, but was ultimately edged 29-22 by the home team. That loss kept the Lady Wildcats winless on the season.
Bright spots despite the loss were Katelyn Cagle, Cassie Locklear and Ally Maynor, all of whom collected three hits on the afternoon. Mikayla English had two hits, while Ivey Craven and Amber Sheffield each notched a base hit.
The Ellerbe softball team will host Sandy Grove on Monday at 4 p.m.
Game information provided by Allen Adeimy.
