K-Tribe scores early for win

Published in Sports on July 2, 2007 1:48 PM

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WINSTON-SALEM -- Kinston scored seven runs in the first three innings, and cruised past Winston-Salem 8-3 on Sunday afternoon at Ernie Shore Field.

The Indians pounded Warthogs starter Clayton Richard in a four-run, first-inning uprising. Stephen Head, Wes Hodges, Matt Whitney and Mike Butia each collected an RBI during that stretch.

Whitney (2-for-5, four RBI) clubbed a three-run home run, his first of the season, in the third inning to make it 7-0. The K-Tribe's Josh Rodriguez added a two-out, RBI single later in the game.

Richard (5-5) surrendered seven runs on eight hits in a four-inning stint, and suffered his third consecutive decision in his last five starts.

Kinston's Ryan Edell (8-3) scattered three hits in five-plus innings. Erik Stiller provided two-plus innings of one-hit relief out of the bullpen.

The three-game series concludes today with a start time of 7 p.m. Kevin Dixon (5-3) will take the mound for Kinston, which begins a six-game homestand Tuesday.