ROCKINGHAM — A clutch at-bat during the bottom of the sixth inning recorded the only two runs scored in Wednesday’s baseball game.
That infield two-RBI single by sophomore Collin Hill, combined with strong pitching performances by junior Caden Nolan and senior Jeremiah Ritter, paved the way to Richmond Senior High School’s fifth straight win.
Hosting Butler High School in a non-conference meeting, the Raiders came out on top 2-0 of what turned out to be a pitcher’s duel.
Nolan started on the bump for the Raiders and went 4.2 innings. He kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard and allowed three hits and three walks, while striking out four batters.
Ritter tossed 2.1 innings of relief and kept the shutout intact, Richmond’s fourth shutout this season and second in as many games. Giving up one hit, Ritter recorded three punchouts and walked a batter while earning the win.
Chase DeCurtis threw five innings for the Bulldogs and registered the loss by giving up two earned runs on five hits.
Butler started the first inning with a pair of singles, but Nolan escaped the early threat by recording a strikeout and inducing an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play.
A 1-2-3 top of the second frame was followed by the defense helping eliminate a base runner in the top of the third. Trying to swipe second base, courtesy runner Jack Katkowski was picked off when Nolan threw to Hill at first, who then threw to senior shortstop Jabari Douglas for the tag.
The Bulldogs (6-11) appeared to score on a sacrifice fly with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, but Richmond appealed that base runner Greyson Sheaffer left third base early.
Nolan threw the ball to senior third baseman Jason Walker, who stepped on the bag to get the final out of the inning and erase the run from the board.
With two runners on base and two outs in the top of the fifth, head coach Eric Brown brought in Ritter. Needing just two pitches to keep the game scoreless, Ritter got Amir Carter to ground into a 4-3 groundout to end the top half.
Richmond’s bats were quiet in the fourth and fifth frames, as DeCurtis retired the Raiders in order in both innings.
Ritter worked out of a two-on, one-out jam in the top of the sixth when he picked off Bryce Davis at second base. Douglas received the pickoff throw and tagged Davis for the second out. The inning ended on the next pitch when Nolan hauled in a pop out at second base.
Douglas led off the home half of the sixth with a double down the line in left field. Senior Landon Taylor, who went 3-for-3 with two singles and a double, reached on a bunt single back to the mound, but wasn’t able to advance Douglas.
A wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position, but Douglas was tagged out when Nolan reached on a fielder’s choice while attempting the squeeze play.
With Taylor at third and Nolan at second, Hill dug in with two outs. Drawing a full count, Hill slashed an infield single that short-hopped the shortstop. Taylor scored easily from third and Nolan raced home for the insurance run while Hill hustled out the play at first.
Ritter was lights out in the top of the seventh, striking out the side in order, including two Ks looking to get the win.
Walker had Richmond’s other hit Wednesday, a base knock in the bottom of the second inning.
The Raiders (12-6, 6-3 Sandhills Athletic Conference) return to action Tuesday at home against Scotland High School (9-7, 5-4 SAC). First pitch for the two-game series opener is set for 7 p.m.
