Southern Wayne records shutout

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on April 10, 2008 2:50 PM

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DUDLEY -- Get them on.

Get them over.

Get them in.

Southern Wayne used that workman-like attitude in a 5-0, non-conference win over West Craven on the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex baseball diamond Wednesday afternoon.

Taking a break from the grueling 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference slate, the Saints piled up eight hits and manufactured each of their five runs with stolen bases and sacrifices.

"We made things happen with some good at-bats," said Saints head coach Trae McKee. "We were able to manufacture some runs and gain some confidence."

Robert Herring got the Saints on the board in the third inning. He scored on Ricky Oddon's single that was slightly misplayed by the Eagles' outfield. Oddon crossed home on Matthew Holmes' base knock to make it 2-0.

Herring ignited a second miniature Saint rally in the fifth frame with a lead-off. Holmes belted an RBI double and Tyler Edwards delivered a two-RBI single.

Southern Wayne southpaw Phil Howell used the four-run cushion to his advantage. He worked quickly throughout the complete-game, two-hitter and retired the final 11 batters he faced.

Using a sharp changeup and spotting his fastball at times, Howell constantly fooled West Craven's hitters. He finished with six strikeouts.

"Phil threw the ball extremely well tonight," McKee said. "Throwing strikes early in the count and getting ahead was important for him, and we played good defense."

The Saints (9-6 overall) concluded their scoring on Bruce Rose's sixth-inning, RBI single.

"I think we've been swinging the bats a little bit defensively," said McKee. "We just need to go up and be aggressive and approach things with confidence."

Holmes led the Saints' attack with a perfect 2-for-2 afternoon that included a double. Oddon finished 2-for-3 on the day with a run scored. Ryan Messimer sacrificed runners into scoring position in both of his at-bats.

Southern Wayne visits D.H. Conley today.