C.B. Aycock throttles S. Johnston
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on April 21, 2010 1:46 PM
PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock is rolling.
South Johnston became the Golden Falcons' latest victim on Tuesday night in a 14-4, mercy rule-shortened victory in Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference play.
After Trojan standout Logan Jernigan belted a two-run home run in the top of the first inning, the Golden Falcons (18-1 overall, 7-0 ECC) answered with an emphatic offensive statement.
Tyler Farmer and Connor Narron each walked to lead off the bottom of the first. Adron Hollowell belted an RBI single and Tyler Ruffin singled. Jonathan Taylor was hit by a pitch, which loaded the bases for Jordan Quinn.
Quinn hammered a high fastball for a bases-clearing grand slam.
"South Johnston's pitcher was having trouble locating his off-speed pitches," said C.B. Aycock head coach Charles Davis. "Our guys were sitting on fastball and he got one up to Jordan. (Quinn) didn't miss it."
Two outs later, Travis Musselman drew a walk and Farmer followed with a two-run home run to cap the eight-run outburst.
The Golden Falcons scored three runs in the second inning and followed with three additional run in the third.
The game's outcome was never in doubt thanks to a savvy pitching performance from Derek Limbaugh. The crafty veteran tossed four innings and scattered five hits en route to the mound win.
"I don't think Derek was as sharp as he has been lately, but he battled for us," said Davis. "That's one thing Derek always does, he gives us a chance to win the game."
Quinn finished with three hits and seven RBI to lead the Golden Falcons' offense. Ruffin added two hits and an RBI.
The victory sets up a showdown with Eastern Wayne on Friday night. The Golden Falcons currently sit in first place, while the Warriors trail by one game.
"We have to go out and get a win on Friday, and we know Eastern Wayne is going to be ready," said Davis. "They are the defending league champions and state runners-up. They are not going to give us anything."