Blue Devils Blaze Past Bulldogs
DEEP RUN—South Lenoir Blue Devils extended their winning streak to two games, overpowering Wallace-Rose Hill with a decisive 12-2 victory. This win brings South Lenoir's record to an impressive 9-4 overall and 5-1 in conference play, solidifying their second-place standing behind North Lenoir in the conference rankings.
Key contributors in this match included Matthew Rhodes, who went 2-3 with 3 RBI, a walk, a run, and a double, showcasing his all-around offensive skills. Christian Coples also shone brightly, batting 2-4, including 1 RBI, scoring twice, and hitting two doubles. His performance was nearly highlighted by a home run, as he sent one to the wall in centerfield. Gage Howard matched the intensity, going 2-4 with 3 RBIs, two runs scored, and a double, contributing significantly to the team's robust offensive display.
Freshman pitcher Austin Clements started on the mound for South Lenoir, delivering a solid performance by allowing only 2 runs (one earned) across 3.1 innings, striking out five while walking four. Braden Barnett took over with excellence, pitching 2.2 innings of no-hit ball, walking one but striking out six, sealing the victory with his dominant closing.
The Blue Devils' recent performances have been a turnaround story, as they bounced back from a challenging five-game skid where they went 1-4. Their victory against Wallace-Rose Hill, coupled with their win in the Easter tournament against Southern Wayne, showcases their resilience and capability to rebound strongly.
Post-game, Austin Clements expressed confidence in his and the team's ability, especially highlighting his trust in Barnett to maintain the game's momentum. "I felt confident, and I felt good after the first inning," Clements shared, emphasizing the team's collective belief in victory.
Head Coach Paul Novicki, while pleased with the win, offered a candid assessment of the team's initial performance but acknowledged their ability to turn the game around. "I thought we came out flat," Novicki admitted, stressing the importance of readiness and improvement, especially defensively and in minimizing strikeouts.
As South Lenoir looks forward to their significant upcoming match against third-place Southwest Onslow, the focus is on maintaining their momentum and striving for the top of the conference standings. With determination and talent on their side, the Blue Devils are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal confrontation in their season journey
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