Wake Christian baseball turns tables on Chatham Central
By Tom Shanahan
Correspondent
RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER
Wake Christian’s baseball team gave new definition to “turning the tables” in a nonconference rematch with Chatham Central.
The Bulldogs routed the Bears 18-2 Monday night on Wake Christian’s field just two weeks after losing at Chatham Central 8-6. The mercy rule ended the game with a lead of 10 runs or more after five at bats for the trailing team.
Wake Christian (5-6) scored four runs in the first inning on two hits and 14 runs on 10 hits in the second off of three pitchers for the Bears (4-6). The Bulldogs batted around in the first inning and twice with 19 batters in the second.
The early lead allowed head coach Randy Johnson to empty his bench. Sophomore second baseman Zach Guyer was 3 of 4 with three runs scored and three RBIs before he was replaced by Dawson Currin.
“When they put me on the bench, I was thinking, ‘This is the most fun I’ve had being on the bench,’” Guyer said.
Turning point
Despite Wake Christian taking a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Chatham Central responded with a run in the top of the second to make it a 4-1 game. However, Wake Christian scored four runs in the bottom of the second before Chatham Central recorded the first out of the lengthy inning.
Three to know
Nate Williams, Wake Christian: The sophomore pitcher had to work more than the five-inning rout suggests. With the Bulldogs sending nine batters to the plate in the first inning and 19 in the second, he made trips to the bullpen both innings to keep his arm warm during the long innings. He said the normal five warmup pitches permitted before starting an inning aren’t enough in such situations.
Brandon Stephens, Wake Christian: The senior shortstop was 4 of 4 with two runs scored and four RBIs. His four RBIs were on two at bats in the second inning with two each following a pair of doubles.
Kevin Greenwood, Chatham Central: The Bears’ designated-hitter was 1 of 2 with a triple to deep center field in the fourth inning. He scored on a fieldér’s choice infield ground ball. Wake Christian’s baseball field shares the football field, so Greenwood’s drive over the center fielder’s head gave him time to stretch the hit into a three-bagger.
They said it
“That score was not our team. Our first pitcher is a veteran, but he couldn’t get it going. Our second pitcher has pitched well this year but that’s what happens when your walk batters. But we did see something tonight from Hunter Little. He pitched excellent the last couple of innings. We may have found a pitcher. We’ll bounce back from this. We just have to work on a few things.” – Chatham Central coach Robert Burke.
By Tom Shanahan
Correspondent
RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER
Wake Christian’s baseball team gave new definition to “turning the tables” in a nonconference rematch with Chatham Central.
The Bulldogs routed the Bears 18-2 Monday night on Wake Christian’s field just two weeks after losing at Chatham Central 8-6. The mercy rule ended the game with a lead of 10 runs or more after five at bats for the trailing team.
Wake Christian (5-6) scored four runs in the first inning on two hits and 14 runs on 10 hits in the second off of three pitchers for the Bears (4-6). The Bulldogs batted around in the first inning and twice with 19 batters in the second.
The early lead allowed head coach Randy Johnson to empty his bench. Sophomore second baseman Zach Guyer was 3 of 4 with three runs scored and three RBIs before he was replaced by Dawson Currin.
“When they put me on the bench, I was thinking, ‘This is the most fun I’ve had being on the bench,’” Guyer said.
Turning point
Despite Wake Christian taking a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first, Chatham Central responded with a run in the top of the second to make it a 4-1 game. However, Wake Christian scored four runs in the bottom of the second before Chatham Central recorded the first out of the lengthy inning.
Three to know
Nate Williams, Wake Christian: The sophomore pitcher had to work more than the five-inning rout suggests. With the Bulldogs sending nine batters to the plate in the first inning and 19 in the second, he made trips to the bullpen both innings to keep his arm warm during the long innings. He said the normal five warmup pitches permitted before starting an inning aren’t enough in such situations.
Brandon Stephens, Wake Christian: The senior shortstop was 4 of 4 with two runs scored and four RBIs. His four RBIs were on two at bats in the second inning with two each following a pair of doubles.
Kevin Greenwood, Chatham Central: The Bears’ designated-hitter was 1 of 2 with a triple to deep center field in the fourth inning. He scored on a fieldér’s choice infield ground ball. Wake Christian’s baseball field shares the football field, so Greenwood’s drive over the center fielder’s head gave him time to stretch the hit into a three-bagger.
They said it
“That score was not our team. Our first pitcher is a veteran, but he couldn’t get it going. Our second pitcher has pitched well this year but that’s what happens when your walk batters. But we did see something tonight from Hunter Little. He pitched excellent the last couple of innings. We may have found a pitcher. We’ll bounce back from this. We just have to work on a few things.” – Chatham Central coach Robert Burke.
