Golden Falcons roll to 8-0 win

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on March 31, 2009 1:46 PM

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Charles B. Aycock began a tough stretch of Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference games with a convincing 8-0 victory over county rival Eastern Wayne on Monday evening in New Hope.

The Golden Falcons play three ECC foes in a four-day span that continues today at 2008 co-champion Southern Wayne.

"Coming out today and getting a win was important because it's going to be a long week," said C.B., Aycock head coach Brad Matthews. "I was proud of our effort, especially how well we swung the bats early."

The Golden Falcons jumped in front with some aggressive base running and timely hitting.

Cynthia Burroughs laced a single with one out in the first inning and immediately stole second base. Torie Benton walked and the duo moved into scoring position on a wild pitch. Autumn Pittman drove in the game's first run with a sacrifice fly.

Two pitches later, Benton came home on an Eastern Wayne error.

"We have to learn how to compete," said Warriors head coach Tony Parrish. "You can't get behind and expect to battle back against a team as good as Aycock."

Charles B. Aycock added three runs in the top of the second inning.

After two batters were out, Brooke Bell delivered a single and stole second on the following pitch. Burroughs belted an RBI single, Benton walked and Pittman came through with a two-run single.

Leading 6-0 in the top of the fourth, the Golden Falcons (10-1 overall, 4-0 ECC) got a power boost from a common source. Pittman crushed a solo home run over the fence in left field and essentially sealed the game for the visitors.

Both coaches took advantage of the opportunity to find playing time for a variety of reserves over the final three innings.

"We hadn't played since last Wednesday because of all the rain we've had," said Matthews. "It was nice to be able to get everyone in the game and to get all of our pitchers some work."

Pittman, Bell and Burroughs combined for the shutout in the pitcher's circle for the Golden Falcons. Burroughs struck out the final six batters of the game.

"Coach Matthews has a good team and he did what he had to do tonight," said Parrish. "Those three pitchers are all tough in their own way and we never figured them out."

Eastern Wayne (4-6, 1-3) is the guest of Kinston today.

"The Kinston game is one that we need to win," said Parrish. "If we can get that second conference win, it will put us in fourth place and give us a chance to earn a playoff spot. I don't know when the last time this program went to the playoffs."