Wheeler, Gay each homer in CBA's home softball win

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 13, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- Opposing teams might say they are showing respect when they intentionally walk N.C. State signee Meredith Burroughs this season.

One swing of the bat by the Charles B. Aycock senior can undoubtedly change the complexion of any game.

The Golden Falcons proved it wasn't a flawless strategy on a blustery Wednesday evening. Mackenzie Wheeler and Katie Gay each belted a three-run home run during an 11-0, mercy-rule triumph over Wilson Fike.

"We hit the ball well, came out prepared to play," second-year CBA head coach Emily Burke said. "People aren't going to pitch to Meredith, but we've got nine people (in the lineup) who can hit.

"You can pitch around her, but you can't pitch around everybody."

Aycock cranked out 13 hits against Fike right-handers Kendall Reaves and Amber Baker, who each left numerous pitches up in the strike zone throughout the 76-minute affair. Reaves surrendered 10 runs (six earned) on 10 hits, four walks and two Golden Demon defensive miscues.

The Golden Falcons built a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Wheeler swatted a three-run homer over the left center-field wall and Abbie Walton plated Cierra Harris with an RBI single to left field.

Gay's three-run blast capped a six-run, third-inning uprising. Aycock sent 11 batters to the plate and got RBI hits from Madison Walton and Harris before Gay's bases-clearing shot that nearly landed in the same spot as Wheeler's multi-run shot.

Allison Shingleton scored the game's final run in the fourth inning.

Eight of nine starters and two reserves -- Allie Phillips and Taylor Waddell -- each collected at least one hit on the night. Burke attributed the offensive onslaught to having the luxury of six pitchers on the team.

"We take a lot of live batting practice," said Burke, whose team extended its win streak to three games after a season-opening, extra-inning loss to Wilson Hunt.

"That has made us better hitters, better game players. A game-like situation is hard to create in practice, but with a live pitcher it's a lot easier. When you see how other pitchers set you up, it helps in a game."

Wheeler and Waddell, a pair of freshmen, combined for the two-hit shutout inside the circle. Wheeler fanned six Fike batters and yielded both hits in a four-inning stint. Waddell threw a perfect fifth with one strikeout.

It was Aycock's third consecutive shutout of the season.