Warriors' Lewis handcuffs Pirates

By Cam Ellis
Published in Sports on April 4, 2015 11:34 PM

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cellis@newsargus.com

WILSON -- The second annual Golden Leaf Invitational got underway on Saturday morning, and the gray clouds from the night before broke just in time for the first game between Eastern Wayne and Corinth-Holders.

Both teams definitely played like it was 10 a.m. on the first day of Spring break as the Warriors -- behind a strong pitching performance from Braxton Lewis -- defeated the Pirates, 3-0, at historic Fleming Stadium.

Lewis scattered three hits, walked two and retired seven Pirates on strikeouts in six innings.

"He hadn't really pitched well for us this year," head coach Jabo Fulghum said. "But he was in the strike zone today. His breaking ball worked, his changeup worked, so we we're very pleased."

With Zack Smith having pitched on Tuesday and Tanner Wells sidelined with an ankle injury, Fulghum handed Lewis the reigns. Despite having only started on the JV level -- his varsity appearances have come in a relief role -- the coaching staff was pleasantly surprised with the results.

"I told him that if he didn't throw strikes, he'd go back to third," Fulghum said. "That's all I told him. It was just that simple."

Lewis emerged as the Warriors' top offensive player, too.

He delivered a bases-clearing, two-RBI single that was part of a five-hit, three-run second inning that gave him all the run support he needed. First baseman Collin Nix started the uprising with an RBI double to right field.

Eastern Wayne didn't record a hit in any other inning. The Warriors' lone base runner after the second inning was UNC Charlotte recruit Zack Smith, who drew a lead-off walk in the third.

Smith earned the save behind Lewis with one inning of no-hit, one-strikeout relief.

"It was a good pitched game by both teams, and well-played defense for the most part," said Fulghum, whose team committed only one error and left just three runners on base.

"We made plays. We got three runs in that third inning and we got some timely hits. That's what you've gotta have."

Wells traveled with the team and sat on the bench in street clothes. Fulghum didn't speculate on Wells' return and said the rest is precautionary.

"We're not going to push it," Fulghum said. "Conference play is more important than this tournament.

Eastern Wayne faces Northern Nash on Monday. First pitch is 3 p.m. at Fleming Stadium.