RAEFORD — The Ellerbe Middle School baseball team added its third win of the season to its record Thursday, when it traveled to East Hoke Middle School.
Sixth grader Mason Murray earned his first career middle school win behind an offensive explosion by the Ellerbe bats. Murray tossed three innings in the Wildcats’ 21-5 victory over the Eagles.
He gave up no hits, just one run and struck out six batters. Fellow sixth grader Brooks Calhoun came in and pitched two innings of relief to close out the five-inning mercy-rule win. Calhoun allowed four runs on three hits and added four punchouts.
Calhoun was also successful at the plate, collecting two hits, including a double, the first knocks of his season. Teammates Brent Hayes and Murray added hits in the win, while Aiden Rountree chipped in two RBIs.
“It was a good game in the sense that some kids who don’t get to play much all got time yesterday,” head coach Allen Adeimy said. “We are especially proud of Brooks and Aiden for cracking their first hits as Wildcats.
“I want to also thank Coach Dan Wright, who has come out to help us each game with the book and coaching first base,” he added.
The Wildcats improved to 3-4 on the season and will face Carver Middle School Monday in Ellerbe at 4 p.m.
Lady Wildcats shutout in three innings
The Ellerbe softball team didn’t fare as well, getting beat by the Lady Eagles 15-0 in three innings. The Lady Wildcats were no-hit in the process.
A bright spot for Ellerbe was Addy Marks, who came in and pitched the second inning in relief. She threw just 10 pitches, gave up just one hit and no runs. Ellerbe will also host Carver on Monday.
Game information and statistics provided by Allen Adeimy.
