Warriors fall to Rose

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on March 24, 2008 2:21 PM

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GREENVILLE -- J.H. Rose hurler Tanner Merritt recovered from first-inning trouble and threw six scoreless innings in a 12-2 decision over Eastern Wayne in the Jimmie R. Grimsley Hot Stove League Invitational on Saturday.

Merritt permitted a first-inning, lead-off single to the Warriors' Walker Gourley. The right-hander issued back-to-back walks to Nolan Lancaster and John Wooten to load the bases.

Jose Ponce (2-for-2) broke the scoreless tie with a two-RBI double.

The Warriors didn't score again.

Merritt allowed two additional hits and posted nine strikeouts in a complete-game effort.

The Rampants (10-1 overall) claimed a 5-2 lead after one inning and extended their advantage throughout the six-inning contest. Michael Spruill tripled, homered and plated five runs.

Carter Gagnon (2 RBI) and Gray Garner (RBI) contributed two hits.

Gourley took the mound loss for the Warriors.

Eastern Wayne (6-5) faces Washington today. Game time is 6 p.m. at Guy Smith Stadium.

Rams shut out

KINSTON -- Justin Nygard threw a five-inning no-hitter as Wilson Hunt dumped Greene Central 12-0 during opening-round play of the George Whitfield Invitational.

Nygard notched nine strikeouts in the mercy-rule shortened contest.

Jasper Jones endured the pitching loss.

Greene Central faces Invitational host Kinston today at 1:30 p.m.