LAURINBURG — The Fighting Scots baseball team won their second home game in a row on Thursday against East Columbus. It was a close game the first few innings, but the Scots didn’t panic and were able to pick up the 6-1 over the Gators.
The 30-degree temperature drop made for a brisk first night on the diamond, but the Scots broke out their old school knee high socks to try and keep warm. Parents and fans hid their faces under blankets and scarves as the wind made for a chilly night.
Both teams were scoreless through the first inning, but found their swings in the second. East Columbus drew first blood taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. The Scots answered with a run of their own to the tie.
The Scots pitching staff settled down in the third inning and kept the Gators from crossing home plate. Backing up their pitchers, the Scots offense found their groove and put two more runs on the board to take a 3-1 lead heading into the fourth inning.
Junior Matthew Hyatt was able to blank the Gators in the fourth inning to finish his night on the mound. Hyatt threw four innings allowing one run off three hits with zero walks and three strikeouts.
The Scots again march four pitchers onto the mound, including Hyatt. Sophomore Austin Norton and seniors Donta Green and Justin Bowers all threw one inning each combining for zero runs off two hits with two walks and four strikeouts.
In the batter’s box, the Scots continued their productivity scoring three more runs over the game’s final three innings to secure a 6-1 lead. The game was in question near the end as Green got into a bit of a jam with the bases loaded.
With two outs and the bases full, Green was behind in the count 2-1 when catcher Zac Phillips called a timeout and went to the mound to talk the senior down.
After the conference with Phillips, the Scots senior reliever settled in and rung up the Gators final batter for his third strikeout of the inning.
The Scots improve to 2-0 on the season and East Columbus moves to 1-1.
The Scots are back in action on Monday, March 6 against Marlboro County with the first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. The team has a few days off before hosting Norfolk Christian on Friday, March 10 at 7 p.m.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
