Post 11's bottom hitters productive

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on June 3, 2011 1:47 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- Assisant coach Jackson Massey penciled some guys into the bottom of Wayne County Post 11's lineup on Thursday evening simply looking to give them a chance to play early in the season.

That chance to play turned into the difference in the ball game.

The bottom four hitters in Wayne County's lineup combined for nine hits in an 8-5 win over Area I East nemesis Wilson Post 13 at Scarborough Field on the campus of Mount Olive College.

Zac Houchins' two-run home run to left field in the top of the first inning gave Wilson a 2-0 lead.

Collin DuBose's bloop RBI single in the bottom of the second inning pulled Wayne County to within 2-1. Wayne County had the bases loaded with one out, but Cody Davis and Kevin Wise both flew out to end the inning.

Davis' two-run single in the home half of the fourth gave Post 11 a 3-2 lead.

"It took us a little while but I feel like the fourth or fifth inning we started coming alive," said Massey. "Then when we got in their bullpen we did a good job of getting big hits when we needed them."

Colton Fulghum's two-run triple in the bottom of the fifth extended Wayne County's lead to 5-2.

Chase Whitehead's pinch-hit two-run single with two outs in the top of the sixth inning cut the deficit to 5-4.

DuBose and Zach Grantham both scored on a wild pitches in the bottom of the sixth inning. Zack Mozingo's sacrifice fly scored Davis to increase the lead to 8-4. DuBose (RBI) and Grantham both finished 3 for 4 at the plate.

Fulghum added two hits and two RBI. Tyler Ruffin provided a base hit and also reached on an error. Davis (two RBI) and Adron Hollowell had Post 11's other two hits.

"Zach Grantham had a great day at the plate," said Massey. "We put them in there and early on in the season we want to give everybody a chance to play and they showed up big. They are the reason that we won the ballgame."

Houchins' solo home run to left field in the top of the seventh inning trimmed the lead to 8-5.

Wayne County starting pitcher Duane Gurganus allowed four earned runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and two walks in 52/3 innings to earn the win. Jordan Quinn surrendered one run in 21/3 innings of relief. Cameron Taylor worked a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save.

"Duane did a good job, but he just left some stuff up," said Massey. "He did not have his best stuff, but he battled. Quinn is one of those guys that has a lot of experience and that is going to help us in the bullpen. Cameron Taylor is doing an amazing job for us in that closer spot."

Zac Hall took the loss on the mound for Wilson.

Wayne County's doubleheader with Pitt County Post 39 on Saturday has been moved to Charles B. Aycock. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday's game with New Bern has been canceled.