Ange’s Masterful Outing, Taylor’s Hot Bat Propel Lenoir Community College Past Peace JV

By Trey Scott | Neuse News Sports

Lenoir Community College wasted no time getting back into the win column Friday, delivering a convincing 12-3 victory over Peace JV behind a dominant performance from Ryan Ange and a big night at the plate from Aiden Taylor.

The Lancers (2-1) rebounded from an 11-9 road loss to Camp CC in Virginia earlier in the week, showing signs of a team eager to improve on last year’s 21-26 finish. Ange set the tone with an overpowering effort on the mound, striking out 12 batters over six innings, allowing just one run on four hits while walking one. The sophomore right-hander improved to 2-0 on the season.

“I felt great today,” Ange said. “It’s a lot better feeling pitching in warm air than when it’s cold. I think it made a difference today—I was hitting my spots.”

On his 12-strikeout performance, he added, “I would definitely say I was in a groove—everything was smooth and easy.”

Lancers Build Early Lead, Break It Open Late

Lenoir CC struck first in the bottom of the third when Brennan Moran laced an RBI single to left, followed by Taylor’s double to right that plated another run. Peace JV responded in the sixth with a solo home run from Justin Earle, but that was the only damage they could muster against Ange.

The Lancers answered back immediately, exploding for four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Taylor sparked the rally with his third double of the night, driving in a run. Jordan Brown followed with an RBI single before Andres Cortes launched a two-run homer to right field to put the game out of reach.

Taylor finished the day 3-for-4 with three doubles and three RBIs, continuing his scorching start to the season. Through three games, the outfielder is now 5-for-6 at the plate.

“It felt good just to get back in the win column,” Taylor said.

On his first start of the season and a breakout game at the plate, he added, “Feels great—just gotta keep stacking ’em together. I got the first one out of the way.”

Moran also had a productive night, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, a double, and a run scored.

Lancers Flash Speed, Plate Discipline

LCC’s offensive success wasn’t limited to big swings. The Lancers showed patience at the plate, drawing 11 walks, with Jordan Brown leading the team with two. On the basepaths, they were relentless, swiping nine stolen bases, including two from Brown.

Peace JV struggled to contain LCC’s speed and offensive discipline. Grayson Mitchell took the loss, allowing two runs without recording an out in the first inning. Maddax Brown started for Peace JV, working a scoreless frame before handing things over to the bullpen.

LCC reliever Riley Williams closed out the game with a scoreless inning, striking out two.

What’s Next

The Lancers will look to build on the momentum when they travel to Peace JV on Saturday for a rematch.