Story -- Northern Nash at CB Aycock

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on March 13, 2016 1:47 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- Along a now familiar, drag-bunted section of Highway 117, the rules are simple this time of year.

Show up, powder blue lunch pail in tow.

Work with your teammates -- the endless stockpile of rakes and drag nets aren't going to motivate themselves. And while you're at it, put in a few hours of your program's tried-and-true, signature brand of championship level baseball.

Charles B. Aycock did just that Friday evening, lighting up Northern Nash for five second-inning runs en route to a 7-4, non-conference victory at Charles Davis Field.

The Golden Falcons improved to 6-0 this season.

More importantly, the game allowed Aycock an opportunity to work a large number of pitchers throughout the contest -- something head coach Charles Davis relished.

"We went in with the mentality that I wanted to get some pitchers some work," Davis said. "And we ran six (pitchers) out there... I was able to get some guys in competitive situations."

And a clinical second-inning outburst solidified his plan.

Leading 1-0, the Golden Falcons began their half with a single to left field by Kyle Davis. Second baseman Chandler Gentry followed with a walk and set the table for the Aycock assault.

Northern Nash starter Dwight Daniels gave up a single to left fielder Bradley Pate, scoring Davis from second. And after a Chandler Matthews single to left, the bags were full for shortstop Ashton McGee.

The slow burn had officially given way to a forest fire.

But then, as is the Aycock way, pragmatism took over. McGee, a UNC commit, exhibited patience at the plate - which ultimately allowed two more runs to cross.

It was a moment of substance over style.

"That's the thing about it, people don't understand," Davis noted, "A lot of kids get themselves out there by swinging at a bad pitch... He's got a good eye at the plate... (and) disciplined enough to understand that."

So too are the rest of this year's Golden Falcons.

Following a three-run Northern Nash fifth, the combination of McGee and Matthews took the hill and ushered the Knights to the parking lot.

Over the final two frames, the duo fanned two and induced three fly balls. It was a fitting end to the week -- one that saw Aycock win three games in a four-day stretch.

"It's a good start," Davis said. "But we've still got room for improvement."

Sounds like some folks will need their lunch pail on Monday.