Aycock softball team bounces back

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on April 24, 2010 11:09 PM

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A good bounce-back game.

Three Charles B. Aycock hurlers combined for a one-hitter in a 13-1 conquest of Eastern Carolina 3-A softball rival Eastern Wayne on Friday evening.

The Golden Falcons (12-5 overall, 6-2 ECC) rebounded from a disappointing loss to South Johnston earlier in the week, and remained within striking distance of league-leading Triton. The two teams meet Tuesday in Erwin with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.

"Aycock is a very good team ... (always) top in the conference and in the state," said third-year Eastern Wayne head coach Tony Parrish. "I commend coach (Brad) Matthews for what he's done because they've got a good offense, a good defense, good pitching ... a good all-around game."

Aycock hurler Autumn Pittman (4-2) held the Warriors hitless through four innings. A second-inning error prevented the senior right-hander from leaving the pitcher's circle with a perfect game.

Sophomore right-hander Brooke Bell benefited from a fifth-inning double play after throwing two questionable illegal pitches. Junior righty Ashley Shingleton tossed the sixth, and gave the up the game's lone hit and run to Eastern Wayne senior Lani Fricks.

The trio combined for seven strikeouts.

"We did a good job locating (pitches) in and out, and that gave them fits," said Golden Falcons head coach Brad Matthews. "We played good defense, at times. I wanted all my pitchers to throw tonight to get ready for Tuesday because I'm going give everything we've got, so I wanted everyone to get a little bit of work in tonight."

Fricks held the Golden Falcons scoreless through two innings despite allowing four base runners. The right-hander induced two ground balls which led to outs and concluded the second inning with a strikeout.

Aycock exploded during its third at-bat.

Bell (3-for-5) singled to right field, stole second and scored on Sarah Beth Marquis' double to right center. Pittman (3-for-4) put runners on the corner with a single and Marquis tallied the game-winning run when Rachel Jordan reached on an infield error.

The Golden Falcons sent nine batters to the plate during the outburst and gave Pittman a 5-0 lead.

"It took us a little while to get used to (Fricks)," said Matthews. "The second go-around (through the lineup), we started to hit the ball hard and really good."

Matthews substituted freely and the reserves added to the advantage in the final three innings. Courtnei Gilbert (two RBI) and Amber Rose contributed two hits apiece, while Jessica Hare supplied a pair of RBI groundouts.

Overall, Aycock pounded out 17 hits including two doubles from senior Cara Frederick, who ended the night 3-for-4.