Lenoir Community College Splits Doubleheader Against Louisburg College
Lenoir Community College Splits Doubleheader Against Louisburg College
KINSTON – Lenoir Community College battled through a doubleheader against Louisburg College on Tuesday, splitting the series 1-1.
Despite a stellar offensive performance from Riley Williams in Game 1, LCC fell 7-2 to the Hurricanes. However, Brennan Moran and Ty Hedgepeth led the charge in Game 2, helping the Lancers secure a 4-0 victory to even the day.
Game 1: Williams' Big Day Not Enough in 7-2 Loss
Riley Williams shined at the plate in the first game, going 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the third inning. LCC actually out-hit Louisburg 8-7, but free passes proved costly. The Hurricanes capitalized on 11 walks issued by LCC pitchers, setting the tone early with three first-inning runs.
“We walked 11,” said LCC head coach Gary Smith. “We out-hit them, but that’s a skewed stat because we didn’t give them enough balls to hit when you walk 11.”
Louisburg’s Garrison Wight earned the win, holding LCC to two runs over four and one-third innings. Timon Strader took the loss, allowing three runs in his lone inning of work.
Game 2: Hedgepeth, Moran Lead Lancers to Bounce-Back Win
The Lancers wasted no time in the second game, with Brennan Moran driving in all four runs to power LCC to a 4-0 victory. The sophomore drove in two runs with a single in the first and added a two-run double in the second.
“I was just seeing the ball well, to be honest,” Moran said. “I wasn’t so successful the first game, but I knew I had to get something going.”
On the mound, Ty Hedgepeth delivered a gem, throwing a complete-game shutout while allowing just three hits.
“It felt great, you can’t ask for much more than that,” Hedgepeth said. “Great job by the defense, it’s not on me—it’s a great team win.”
When asked how much credit went to his catcher Moran, Hedgepeth didn’t hesitate.
“A whole lot! A whole lot!” Hedgepeth said as he dapped up Moran, who quickly chimed in, “That’s my job!”
Smith praised his team’s response in the second game.
“Game 2, Ty did a much better job throwing it up there, forcing the action, getting the party started,” Smith said. “He did a good job mixing up his pitches. Moran had a great second game, Riley had a great first game—good to see Riley come around and get another bat in the lineup. Overall, our pitching and defense have been really good. They let us down the first game, but overall, they have done really well this season.”
Coach’s Outlook on the Season So Far
With the split, LCC moves to 6-3 on the year, and Smith believes his team is right where they need to be.
“Probably right on point,” Smith said. “Getting a split with Louisburg is always huge. They are always good, and they were good today. The other two losses were by one run and two runs. We’ve been in every game. I’ll take 6-3 going into Fayetteville this weekend.”
Smith noted that Fayetteville Tech, LCC’s next opponent, has shown steady improvement.
“They made the tournament for the first time last year. We played them in the fall, and they were even better. That’s going to be a good test for us.”
Louisburg’s Perspective
Louisburg, now 4-6 on the season, is still searching for stability on the mound, according to head coach Blake Herring—a former standout pitcher at LCC and Greene Central High School.
“We had a freshman, Garrison Wight, who hasn’t started a game before—pitched his butt off. It was good to see,” Herring said. “This was our first midweek game, so we’re in uncharted territory. We don’t know who the starter is, who we’re going to. I just talked to the guys about it—it’s open game after our top three relievers. It’s wide open. I don’t know who to go to, they can’t keep throwing the same guys. Someone’s gotta step up and separate.”
LCC will head to Fayetteville this weekend to take on Fayetteville Tech, while Louisburg looks to regroup before their next series.
