Wayne South drops North junior legion

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 30, 2011 1:47 PM

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Wayne North and Wayne South have enjoyed a close rivalry over the past few seasons filled with close games.

Wednesday night was not one of those.

Wayne South plated eight runs in the top of the seventh inning and cruised to a 10-0 victory in New Hope. The visitors also swept the season series on the Junior American Legion baseball scene.

"I thought our guys played some good unselfish baseball tonight," said Wayne South head coach T.J. Hinson. "We were able to get some bunts down, hit the ball in good spots with runners on base and we played pretty well defensively."

South got on the board in the top of the fourth inning when Colton Chrisman and Jaime Dove laced back-to-back singles. Dove stole second base to put both runners in scoring position with one out. Wayne North pitcher Jake May struck out the next batter, but strike three rolled away from the catcher and forced a throw to first base to complete the out.

Chrisman raced home on the throw to first and Dove followed closely behind as the relay throw to the plate sailed high. Both runners scored on the play.

Clinging to a 2-0 lead in the top of the seventh, South opened the flood gates.

Dove drew a lead-off walk, Jacob Sasser belted a double and Ashton Cox plated both runners with an RBI single. That spelled the end of the night for May on the pitcher's mound and led to a series of Wayne North relief pitchers who combined to walk five batters.

A Wayne North error and a pair of passed balls eventually completed the eight-run outburst.

"I thought both teams' starters did a pretty good job," said Hinson. "Once we got into the bullpen a little bit we were able to get ahead in the count at the plate and really make their guys work."

As shaky as the North pitching staff was, South starter Jamar Holmes was just as solid. Holmes earned the win on the mound with a complete-game shutout that included three strikeouts and no walks.

"Jamar threw three pitches for a strike tonight and that is all you can ask as a coach," Hinson said. "I went out for a visit in the sixth and he told me he was going to finish it. All I could say was go get 'em."

Wayne South (13-5 overall) plays host to Spring Creek tonight. Wayne North (10-5) entertains Richlands.