RMA baseball cruises to second-round win
By PATRICK MASON
Sports Writer ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Throwing a baseball for Reid Johnston is like chewing gum for the rest of us, probably. Point is, it comes easy.
The Rocky Mount Academy senior and N.C. State recruit made a long throw from left field to cut down an Asheville Christian Academy runner at the plate during Wednesday’s NCISAA second-round playoff game.
That throw preserved a one-run lead, and the Eagles never trailed in a 3-1 win.
“I didn’t see where the runner was,” said Johnston of the relay from left fielder Jacob Braddy. “I just heard my teammates screaming ‘four’ so I threw home.”
Normally a third baseman, Johnston had not attempted that throw all season, and it didn’t matter. It came in the fourth inning as the Lions threatened to tie the score at 2-2 off a double to the wall. That was a key moment in a game full of defensive gems from the Eagles.
Starting pitcher Isaiah Thomas, a sophomore, was making his first playoff start and had trouble with his command early. The right-hander was missing his spots arm side, and hit three batters. But the Eagles defense turned three double plays, the first of which ended a bases-loaded threat in the first inning.
“I stayed confident,” Thomas said. “It helps when you have the seniors and older players telling you they have your back. When I was told how much potential I have in this game, it really helped build me up and I used that when things got tough today.”
Thomas went four innings, allowed one run run a four hits with a pair of strikeouts. RMA coach Cameron Ramsey was proud of Thomas, and marveled at the way the sophomore wiggled out of jams.
“He competed hard out there,” Ramsey said. “It was one of those games where you either got it or you don’t, and he battled and gave us a chance to win. He’s had three-hit shutouts before, and a win last week, and tonight he had to battle to succeed.”
Lions starter Alex Winchester went five innings and only recorded one strikeout, but didn’t allow much hard contact. That was until Will Stewart came to the plate. The sophomore broke a 1-1 tie in the third with the first of two RBI doubles down the left-field line.
Stewart then plated the Eagles’ third run in the fifth with his second double. Stewart is a two-year varsity starter, and has emerged as a potent threat in the middle of the order. He said he grew eight inches since his freshman year, and added 20 pounds.
That extra weight and length has helped him drive the ball. His batting average is over .370, and gives Johnston protection from the No. 4 slot.
“It’s coming to me easier at the plate this year,” Stewart said. “I’m able to keep calm up there, and really stay selective.”
Johnston pitched the final three innings, allowing one hit and striking out three to seal the win. He will start on Saturday when the No. 5 Eagles travel to No. 4 Greensboro Caldwell Academy.
By PATRICK MASON
Sports Writer ROCKY MOUNT TELEGRAM
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Throwing a baseball for Reid Johnston is like chewing gum for the rest of us, probably. Point is, it comes easy.
The Rocky Mount Academy senior and N.C. State recruit made a long throw from left field to cut down an Asheville Christian Academy runner at the plate during Wednesday’s NCISAA second-round playoff game.
That throw preserved a one-run lead, and the Eagles never trailed in a 3-1 win.
“I didn’t see where the runner was,” said Johnston of the relay from left fielder Jacob Braddy. “I just heard my teammates screaming ‘four’ so I threw home.”
Normally a third baseman, Johnston had not attempted that throw all season, and it didn’t matter. It came in the fourth inning as the Lions threatened to tie the score at 2-2 off a double to the wall. That was a key moment in a game full of defensive gems from the Eagles.
Starting pitcher Isaiah Thomas, a sophomore, was making his first playoff start and had trouble with his command early. The right-hander was missing his spots arm side, and hit three batters. But the Eagles defense turned three double plays, the first of which ended a bases-loaded threat in the first inning.
“I stayed confident,” Thomas said. “It helps when you have the seniors and older players telling you they have your back. When I was told how much potential I have in this game, it really helped build me up and I used that when things got tough today.”
Thomas went four innings, allowed one run run a four hits with a pair of strikeouts. RMA coach Cameron Ramsey was proud of Thomas, and marveled at the way the sophomore wiggled out of jams.
“He competed hard out there,” Ramsey said. “It was one of those games where you either got it or you don’t, and he battled and gave us a chance to win. He’s had three-hit shutouts before, and a win last week, and tonight he had to battle to succeed.”
Lions starter Alex Winchester went five innings and only recorded one strikeout, but didn’t allow much hard contact. That was until Will Stewart came to the plate. The sophomore broke a 1-1 tie in the third with the first of two RBI doubles down the left-field line.
Stewart then plated the Eagles’ third run in the fifth with his second double. Stewart is a two-year varsity starter, and has emerged as a potent threat in the middle of the order. He said he grew eight inches since his freshman year, and added 20 pounds.
That extra weight and length has helped him drive the ball. His batting average is over .370, and gives Johnston protection from the No. 4 slot.
“It’s coming to me easier at the plate this year,” Stewart said. “I’m able to keep calm up there, and really stay selective.”
Johnston pitched the final three innings, allowing one hit and striking out three to seal the win. He will start on Saturday when the No. 5 Eagles travel to No. 4 Greensboro Caldwell Academy.
