Rosewood offense shines in win
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on May 23, 2010 1:50 AM
Rosewood scored in every inning of its 16-6 victory over South Robeson in the third round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs on Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles also took advantage of seven errors by the visitors.
"Playing on a Saturday afternoon I really didn't know what to expect," Rosewood head coach Jason King said. "But everyone got here on time and we looked fresh right out of the gate."
Rosewood jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.
Taylor Price singled, Will Winslow reached on an error and Jonathan Franks delivered an RBI single. Will Beasley was hit by a pitch and Scott Pate followed with an infield hit that loaded the bases. Trevor Cox was hit by a pitch that forced in a run.
South Robeson immediately answered.
Nolan Hunt drew a walk, Marcus Locklear reached on an error and Colby Locklear belted an RBI single. Timothy Carter was hit by a pitch and Jeremy Lewis walked. Tezshawn McIntyre put the visitors ahead 5-3 with a two-run single.
The lead only lasted one half inning as Rosewood battled back.
Matt Neal belted a solo home run, Cody Harris walked and Winslow singled. Franks plated two runs with a single and Beasley ripped a double. Pate reached on an error and Cox drew a two-out walk. Will Grantham capped the scoring by reaching on an error that plated Beasley.
"I tell the guys all the time to let the last inning go and focus on swinging the bats," said King. "Tonight we were able to keep our heads in the game and get the lead right back."
The 8-5 advantage was more than enough for Beasley who overcame the poor second inning and settled down to earn the mound win. The senior right-hander permitted four hits and struck out two batters.
The Eagles ended the contest in the bottom of the sixth when Harris reached on an error and Winslow singled. Jonathan Franks was hit by a pitch to load the bases before Beasley and Pate came through with back-to-back sacrifice fly balls to invoke the mercy rule at 16-6.
"We didn't swing the bats like we wanted to against Red Springs in the last round but tonight everyone came out hitting," said King. "I thought our approach was good and when we got chances to score we made the most of them."
Rosewood (17-6 overall) plays host to East Columbus in the East Regional semifinals on Tuesday night.