Saints falter in seventh

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on March 24, 2010 1:46 PM

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DUDLEY -- Will Broadwell didn't just deserve a better result. He earned it.

Broadwell pitched six solid innings, but was a tough-luck loser as Triton pushed across four seventh-inning runs in a 4-0 win at Southern Wayne on Tuesday night.

It was the Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference baseball opener for both teams.

The Hawks capitalized on three Saints' errors and a passed ball in the seventh inning. Alex Lopez and Bryant Wood each provided an RBI single.

"That's what we've got to rely on is playing sound defense and taking care of the baseball," said Southern Wayne head coach Trae McKee. "Right there is something that you practice almost every day and we didn't take care of the baseball right there. An easy out and we just didn't make a play."

Triton loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the second inning, but Broadwell struck out Cody Sorrell looking to end the threat.

Broadwell allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits with four strikeouts and no walks.

"Will was getting ahead of hitters," said McKee. "His breaking ball wasn't there tonight, but he was able to locate his fastball well enough on both sides of the plate to keep them off-balance a little bit and not get them sitting on one location. He made a couple of big pitches.

"He's going to be our go-to guy."

The Saints left five runners in scoring position, two of which were stranded on third base. Hawks' starting pitcher Kyle McCarvey held Southern Wayne to just three hits and struck out three over 5 1/3 scoreless innings.

Triton reliever Brandon Chance struck out all six batters he faced in 1 2/3 shutout innings to earn the win. The Saints struck out nine times and drew just one walk.

"Our swings are too long when we're ahead in the count," said McKee. "We're getting jammed on balls I don't think we should be getting jammed on."

Southern Wayne (4-4 overall, 0-1 ECC) continues league play at North Lenoir on Friday.