Gators post league shutout
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on March 31, 2010 1:46 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- A slow start, but a fast finish led to Spring Creek's 7-0 victory over Carolina 1-A Conference rival Ayden-Grifton on Tuesday night in "The Swamp."
Neither generated any offense during the first three innings.
The Chargers stranded a runner at third base in the second inning and the Gators followed by wasting a man in scoring position in its home half of the stanza.
Ayden-Grifton starting pitcher Sabastian Barwick could not avoid trouble in the fourth.
With one man out, Dontay Boseman laced a single and advanced to third on Duane Gurganus' double. Zach Harrell drew a walk to load the bases and Chris Nichols delivered the biggest hit of the ballgame with a rocket double that plated two runs.
"I don't think we had a very good approach early on in the game," said Spring Creek head coach Heath Whitfield. "Finally in the fourth inning we squared a couple of balls up and pushed a couple runs in."
The Gators padded their advantage one inning later.
Chris Boseman delivered a lead-off single and was followed by a single from Howell that was compounded when the ball was booted in the outfield. Dontay Boseman reached on a fielder's choice and a throwing error allowed Chris Boseman to score.
Erik Evans drew a two-out walk and Nichols ripped a two-run single to cap the scoring.
A 7-0 lead would be plenty for Gurganus as he mowed through Charger hitters. The sterling sophomore tossed a complete game three-hitter.
"I told our guys that we couldn't lose if the other team didn't score," said Whitfield. "We have been fortunate in the scheduling that Duane has been able to throw both of our first two conference games."
Nichols finished with two hits and four RBI. Howell also added two hits in the win.
Spring Creek improved to 5-4 overall and 2-0 in Carolina Conference play. The Gators entertain Union today.