RICHMOND COUNTY — Several area middle school baseball and softball teams hit the diamond Monday, continuing their early-season play across the Sandhills.
The Hamlet Middle School baseball and softball teams won their respective games over Ellerbe Middle School on the road, while Rockingham Middle School’s teams also earned wins over West Hoke Middle School in Raeford.
Red Rams run-rule Ellerbe baseball in six innings
Behind a 5-for-5 performance at the plate by seventh grader Tyler Graham, the Red Rams rolled past the Wildcats 16-6 in six innings. Also having a solid afternoon at the plate for Hamlet was eighth grader Blake Brown, who went 3-for-5 with a double.
Alan Taylor started on the mound for Hamlet, and was relieved by Jason Walker and Ethan Locklear. Jabari Hester came in to close out the win for the Red Rams.
The Wildcats only managed to get two hits during the game, both coming from Brent Hayes. Another highlight head coach Allen Adeimy noted despite the loss was Brooks Calhoun coming in and pitching some relief innings.
Also having multi-hit performances for the Red Rams were Douglas (3-for-5) and Walker (2-for-2). Rossi Standridge also collect a hit in the win.
Ellerbe (1-2) will host Anson Middle School Orange on Wednesday, while the Red Rams (3-0) will host Blenheim Middle School (S.C.) on Thursday. Both games are at 4 p.m.
Leviner’s homer highlights Lady Red Rams’ shutout over Ellerbe
Adjacent to the baseball field, the Lady Red Rams also took care of business against the Lady Wildcats, mercy-ruling the home team 16-1 in three innings. Ellerbe’s lone run of the game came off a Caroline Hunsucker RBI single.
In the circle for Hamlet was Quston Leviner, who earned her third win of the spring, striking out eight batters in three innings of work. Leviner also had a good showing at the dish, going 2-for-2 and slapping her first home run of the season.
Also collecting hits for Hamlet were Jakayla Steele (2-for-2) and Ryelan Lyerly (1-for-1). The Lady Wildcats only had two hits during the game, with other coming from Makayla English.
Hamlet (3-0) and Ellerbe (0-3) will both play on Thursday against Blenheim and Anson Orange, respectively.
Rockingham baseball routs West Hoke
On the road at West Hoke Middle School Monday, head coach Jamie McDonald’s Rocket baseball team blew past the Tigers 30-3 in four innings. Eighth grader Walker Lambeth picked up the win, his first of the spring, with teammate Damon Bryant throwing two innings of relief.
Sixth grader Gray Maultsby had a hot bat on the afternoon, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Also recording an RBI on a sacrifice fly was Tripp Gadson.
The Rockingham batters drew several walks and hit-by-pitches, but Bryant, Cameron Seagraves, Jordan Joseph and Zane Searcy all went 1-for-1 at the plate. Shaun Hodges batted 1-for-2 with a hit.
The Rockets improved to 2-0, and will travel to East Hoke Middle School on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Lady Rockets also run-rule West Hoke
On the softball field, the Lady Rockets also didn’t have any trouble defeating West Hoke, as they racked up 18 runs in four innings, while keeping the Lady Tigers scoreless. Getting the win from the circle was Savanna Mullins, who struck out eight batters.
The Lady Rockets will travel to East Hoke Thursday at 4 p.m.
Stats and game information provided by Allen Adeimy, Deon Cranford, Morgan Davis and Jamie McDonald.
