Spring Creek diamond nine launch defense of Carolina title

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on March 11, 2016 1:48 PM

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jhayes@newsargus.com

SEVEN SPRINGS --Small ball, throttle down.

That was certainly the case Thursday for Spring Creek, which employed an opportunistic, autobahn-inspired brand of baseball to dispatch visiting Lakewood, 10-2, on a blustery evening at Seven Springs.

The Gators, who evened their record at 2-2, survived a spotty first inning in the Carolina 1-A Conference opener for both teams.

Lakewood (2-1) began with a frenzy, doubling to right field off Gators' starter Will Rouse. Two base hits and a Tristan Holmes RBI later, the Leopards led 2-0.

But Rouse countered with moxie.

The senior leaned on his fundamentals and exhibited total command for the rest of the affair, fanning six Lakewood batters en route to a complete-game victory.

Spring Creek coach Heath Whitfield was pleased with his senior's effort.

"It was great," he said. "We think he was rushing a little bit (in the first), jacked up ... not staying back. So we took some deep breaths, settled down, and threw like the old Will for the last six (innings)."

And once solid on the bump, the Gators' cut loose everywhere else.

Timely base knocks.

Drag bunts.

Lightning quick, uncontested stolen bases in every frame.

Spring Creek confused and frustrated Lakewood starter Jeremy Sessoms, who gave up three runs and seven hits in just four innings of work.

His relief, unfortunately, fared no better.

The Gators' watershed moment stretched over two innings, when a combination of Leopard passed balls, express-lane base running and opposite-field base hits produced a staggering -- and essentially game-ending -- seven runs.

For Lakewood, it was a case of cue the activity bus.

But for Whitfield, it was the actualization of a strategy he has utilized over the years at "The Swamp" -- and one he hopes this year's club will sharpen as conference play deepens.

"That's the way we've played since I've been here, we've had to... and (I know) we'll get thrown out some, but more times than not, we make things happen," Whitfield said.

Indeed.

The Gators were led by Casey Whitfield, Kane Geelen and Matthew Dupuy -- a trio who went a combined 6-for-10 at the plate with two RBI. Hunter Walker, Levi Miller and Averett signee Sawyer Smith also delivered. The threesome combined for five stolen bases in the speedy Spring Creek attack.

In total, it was an effort they will need to duplicate time and again this spring. But don't attempt to sell Whitfield on the fact that it will be easy.

"These guys, when it's time to get focused, they're ready to play," he said. "(But) we've got to get on first base to make that happen -- you can't steal first base."