Golden Falcons take league showdown

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on April 2, 2010 1:46 PM

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PIKEVILLE -- In a rematch of last season's state 3-A semifinals, Charles B. Aycock got a sterling pitching performance from Brooke Bell and bested Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference foe Triton 3-1 on Thursday evening.

The Golden Falcons got on the board in the first inning.

Bell led off with a double to left field and moved to third when the throw back to the infield skipped past the Hawks' second baseman. Connor Davis immediately followed with a sacrifice fly that gave the home team a 1-0 advantage.

"The top four hitters in our lineup have really been hot lately," said C.B. Aycock head coach Brad Matthews. "Tonight they set the tone early and got us out in front."

After Triton stranded runners in scoring position in the fourth and fifth innings, the Golden Falcons went back to work on offense.

Bell delivered a lead-off single and stole second base. Autumn Pittman moved Bell to third on a double that eluded the Hawks' left fielder. Sarah Beth Marquis watched as Bell scored on a wild pitch and then delivered Pittman with a sacrifice fly.

Triton (8-3 overall, 3-1 ECC) battled back in the top of the sixth when Kelsey Lee singled and stole second. Kerri Roberts ripped a single and Candice Faircloth plated the Hawks' lone run with a sacrifice fly.

The visitors attempted a rally in their final at-bat when an error by the Golden Falcons allowed Kristin Adams to reach first. With the tying run at the plate and one out, Adams inexplicably tried to steal second and was promptly called out for leaving the base before the pitch.

Bell retired the final batter of the game on three pitches and secured the win in the pitcher's circle. The hard-throwing right hander did not record a strikeout on the night, but permitted just four hits.

"Brooke did a fantastic job of locating her pitches tonight," said Matthews. "We knew Triton was a good team coming in based on last season and tonight we were able to get some key hits and make it stand up."

Bell paced the Golden Falcons with two hits including a double. Pittman added a double while Misty Edwards and Amber Rose each tallied one hit.

C.B. Aycock (7-3, 3-1) will play host to J.H. Rose on April 9.