So. Wayne collects pair of wins

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on April 9, 2009 1:46 PM

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DUDLEY -- A gritty comeback and a blowout.

Southern Wayne used both methods to claim a non-conference, doubleheader sweep on the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex baseball diamond Wednesday evening.

The Saints induced the 10-run mercy rule in a 15-5 spanking of West Craven in the opener. Tyler Edwards delivered a game-winning, RBI sacrifice fly in a 7-6 triumph over West Carteret in the nightcap.

Southern Wayne trailed the Patriots 6-3 in game two after 41/2 innings. Scott Holloman's RBI single to left field trimmed the deficit to 6-4. Tyler Edwards scored a run and Zach Grantham's RBI single created a 6-6 deadlock.

Saints starter Michael Douglas retired West Carteret in order in the sixth. The right-hander allowed six runs (four earned) on eight hits and a walk. He recorded four strikeouts.

The Patriots manufactured just one run on two hits during their final two at-bats against Douglas.

"Michael got stronger," said Southern Wayne head coach Trae McKee. "There was a little chirping going on between both teams and I think that got a little fire in his belly. He got stronger in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings."

Jordan Hood started the Saints' sixth inning with a bunt single and moved to third on Cody Davis' double to right field. Edwards lofted his sacrifice fly to left field for the 7-6 advantage.

"We found a way to get it done," said McKee. "We fought back and found a way to get it done. I was real proud of this club."

Edwards pitched a scoreless seventh inning to record the save. Edwards and Jordan Williams (home run, three RBI) each collected two hits apiece.

The Saints scored 11 runs on eight hits in the bottom of the second inning to break open game one. Southern Wayne was aided by a pair of Eagles' errors and a run-scoring wild pitch during the outburst.

Williams, Kevin Wise, Davis and Edwards all contributed RBI at-bats during the bottom of the second. Holloman tacked on a three-run homer.

Williams finished the opener 2-for-3 with three RBI.

"We kind of kicked it around early in the first inning in game one," said McKee. "I liked the way we responded in both games. It was good to see us bounce back when it was time to punch back."

Southern Wayne (8-7 overall) visits D.H. Conley at 6 p.m. on Friday.