Rams shutdown the Panthers 8-0 behind Hardy's No-Hitter

BETHEL, NC - The Greene Central Rams traveled to North Pitt to open up conference play in baseball. Coming into the game with a disappointing 2-3 record on the season, the Rams were determined to turn things around against a team that had beaten them twice last year.

And turn things around they did, with a stunning performance by their number one pitcher, junior Austin Hardy. The left-handed pitcher threw a complete game shutout no-hitter and racked up an incredible 16 strikeouts in seven innings.

"He gave us a heck of a performance," said Rams Coach Ben Brann. "He was completely dominant."

Hardy's performance was supported by an impressive offensive showing from the Rams, who combined for 15 hits in the game. Leadoff hitter and ECU commit junior Braden Burress went 3-3 with a single, double, and triple, while freshman catcher Will Radford also went 3-3, including a homerun and four RBI's.

The Rams' victory over North Pitt was a clear indication that they had come into conference play focused. Brady Anderson and Leland Barrow also contributed two hits for the Rams.

"The guys came into conference play ready to go!" exclaimed Coach Brann after the game.

For Hardy, the win was particularly satisfying. "They beat us twice last year and I could not let that happen again," he said. "I felt good, I tried to pound the strike zone and let my teammates do the work."

The Rams (3-3) will host the Panthers (1-5) tomorrow night on Wednesday in Snow Hill.