Panthers get first win of season

By David Williams
Published in Sports on March 7, 2004 2:00 AM

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HOBBTON -- North Johnston's Brad Holloman threw a five-hit complete game and notched his first win as the Panthers beat Hobbton 9-1.

The win was North Johnston's first of the season after losing contests against Hertford County (9-4) and county rival Smithfield-Selma (21-0).

Holloman struck out six and walked just two, while Kris Lutz went 2-for-3 with a triple.

"We were more aggressive at the plate and in the field," said North Johnston coach Tim Jones. "Holloman did an outstanding job on the mound."

Norlina sweeps Goldsboro

Goldsboro opened its 2004 campaign by dropping a non-conference doubleheader Friday afternoon against Norlina Christian, a competitor on the independent school ranks.

Norlina's Stephen Shearin struck out 10 and threw a no-hitter in the first game as the Crusaders prevailed 13-1. The host Cougars found a little offensive firepower in the nightcap, but fell 11-6.

Goldsboro's Joe Edwards collected a team-leading three hits, including two doubles, in game two. Dante Love doubled in a two-hit effort. Cedric McClary and Curt Mozingo each provided one hit.

The Cougars started six freshmen in the game.

Goldsboro (0-2) returns to action Tuesday against county rival Charles B. Aycock. It's the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference opener for both teams.

Rams still seeking first win

WINTERVILLE -- Greene Central completed its first week of the regular season at 0-3 after a 13-3, non-conference setback Saturday afternoon against South Central.

Officials halted the contest after five innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

The Rams have lost four straight games dating back to last year's opening-round defeat against Randleman in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A playoffs.

Joseph Wade emerged Greene Central's offensive leader with two hits in three plate appearances. Travis Rouse and Drew Sowers each batted 1-for-1 on the day.

Jared Williamson endured the pitching loss.

Jon Conway, Ed Green and Bill Hopkins each provided two hits for the Falcons.

Matt Scoggin claimed the pitching victory.

Friday afternoon, Tommy Cobb recorded 10 strikeouts to lead Farmville Central past Greene Central 2-0 on the James R. Fulghum Athletic Complex diamond in Snow Hill.

Despite giving up just one earned run in five innings of work, the Rams' Rouse picked up the loss.

Williamson had two hits to lead Greene Central at the plate.

Farmville's Brandon Cox and Jared Beddard had two hits each for the Jaguars.

The Rams return to action Tuesday at Spring Creek.

Princeton splits with Redskins

PRINCETON -- Princeton's Dustin Myers picked up the win as the Bulldogs claimed a 5-2 win in the second game of a doubleheader with Manteo on Friday at Princeton's field.

Paced by winning pitcher Bailey Daniels, Manteo won the first game 7-0. Princeton's Zach Harmon got the loss in game two.

The Bulldogs travel to Greenfield School on Monday.

Rebels fall to Spartans

CLINTON -- North Duplin dropped a 6-1 non-conference loss at Union on Friday afternoon.

Sterling Grice and Ryan Smith accounted for half of the Rebels' four-hit total with one hit apiece. Grice started on the mound, but left after the first inning because of a tender elbow.

Travis Dubois replaced Grice and suffered the pitching loss after yielding three runs (all earned) on three hits in the second inning. Matt Braswell threw four innings of relief, striking out four and surrendering three runs (all earned) on three hits.

"I am very disappointed in the intensity and focus levels we showed here," said first-year North Duplin coach Rob Futch said.

Futch added that his team is becoming the walking wounded. In addition to Grice's injury, senior second baseman Tim Evans is suffering from bursitis, senior shortstop Ryan Tillman is nursing an aggravating groin pull and Brad Lloyd has a contusion on his right leg.

"We've got to get healed up," Futch said. "When we have a few people hurt, it puts us in a bind having to move some people around. The less we have to move them during the year the better."

Blue Devils explode early

DEEP RUN -- South Lenoir erupted for five runs in the first inning and cruised past Spring Creek 9-0 in a non-conference contest Friday afternoon.

The Blue Devils roughed up Gators starter Randy Amos for seven earned runs on 10 hits in five innings.

Jes Snyder led Spring Creek's offense with two hits.

The teams meet again Monday afternoon at Spring Creek. Game time is 4 p.m.