ECBL: Gators conclude season in winning fashion

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

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- It looked slightly unfamiliar in pattern, yet bore a recognizable result.

Spring Creek, accustomed to establishing its trademark manic pace on the base paths, was forced to employ an impromptu design Thursday evening in a 10-6, rally-cap bearing triumph over Eastern Carolina Baseball League and county foe Southern Wayne White.

The contest was anything but efficient.

The Saints, winners a day prior for the first time this season, appeared intent on continuing their newfound form. Chase Absoloa began the proceedings with a walk, then promptly fled for second base. Following an infield scratch from Chris Mozingo, the rangy shortstop crossed on a fielder's choice RBI by starting pitcher Dakota Leary.

In a flash, the Saints led 1-0.

Not to be outdone, Christian Yarbrough began Spring Creek's half with a barrel-popping triple to right field, later crossing on an RBI by Gator second baseman Mathew Dupuy. It was the opening salvo of a solid night for the senior-to-be, who finished 1-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBI.

The second inning, however -- an uneven bit of patchwork from both ball clubs -- spelled out the balance of the tilt.

Spring Creek starter Casey Whitfield experienced control issues during the error-prone stanza, issuing two walks and plunking two Southern Wayne batsmen. The result, a seemingly endless bases-loaded carousel, allowed three Saints to score.

Trailing 4-1, Whitfield was pulled in favor of Yarbrough.

"Our pitching wasn't there... normally those guys are reliable, but (tonight) didn't have it," SC skipper Allen Nichols said. "And we weren't patient at the plate."

The Gators, however, would find their way over the next four innings.

As Yarbrough settled on the hill, the blue-and-green launched an offensive outburst reminiscent of its true identity. Five different Gator batters lit up the box score with seven hits and six RBI over that span. The last volley -- a left-field line, chalk-walking hit from Jensen Barwick -- made the score 10-6 and effectively spelled doom for the Saints.

The three-run sixth also capped a courageous outing for Southern Wayne starter Dakota Leary, who allowed 10 runs on nine hits. He also walked and fanned a trio of Gators.

Per skipper Anthony Williams, the session was more than he could have possibly imagined.

"He just put the shoes on as a pitcher a week and a half ago," Williams noted, "and comes out and throws strikes."

For Spring Creek, which turned out Southern's ECBL lights courtesy of righty reliever Jordan Ammons, the victory rang a bit hollow in terms of its usual standard-bearing efficiency.

"It wasn't pretty," Nichols said. "Their pitcher had us off balance most of the game... but we didn't give up. Continued to battle and scratched out enough to win."