Rams showcase clutch hitting in weekend series against Lenoir Community College
The Rams showed their ability to battle adversity and had some clutch moments in close games this weekend against Lenoir CC.
The Rams got to work early during Game 1 of the series. Hits from Reyes and Thompson put runners on first and third, and Allen was able to swipe home to put the Rams on the board in the bottom of the first. The Rams had a big second inning that was started by Soles notching a single and scoring on an error. Hughes was able to blast a double in the left-center gap to plate 2 more for the Rams, and Cassell hit a double of his own to score Hughes. The Rams battled back and forth with Lenoir scoring runs in the 5th and 6th innings. They were able to get a solid outing from their bullpen, as Guerrero and Stringer combined for 6 innings and 3 runs allowed. Reyes came up in a big spot in the 8th inning after Pridgen was intentionally walked to load the bases. Down by 3 runs with 2 outs, he came through, singling and scoring 2 to put the Rams in striking distance. Cassell, Hughes, and Reyes each collected 2 RBI’s to lead the Rams to a 10-run effort.
Suggs opened Game 2 on the mound for the Rams and gave them a solid start, going 3 innings and only allowing 1 run on 2 hits. The Rams' offense was quiet till the 5th inning when Hughes got the scoring started by putting a ball into the stands for a 2-run homer. Allen followed up with a 2-run shot of his own to center field later in the inning. Down by 1 in the last inning, the Rams got one last chance to extend the game. Cassell led off the inning by working a walk, which Pridgen followed with a single. After intentionally walking Allen to load the bases, Soles came up big for the Rams with a sacrifice fly to tie the game and send it to extras. Doty was able to work a 1-2-3 8th inning, and McGee was able to come in the game for the 9th inning and give up 0 runs. Allen led the Rams offense with 3 hits and 2 RBIs.
Game 3 of the series featured some solid pitching performances from both sides. Pedrick started the game on the mound for the Rams, and he gave his team a good start, going 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits. He handed the ball off to Rameriez in the 5th inning, who was able to hurl it for 3 innings, only allowing 1 run on 1 hit. Despite a good pitching performance from Lenoir, the Rams still totaled 7 hits. Pridgen and Ruppert both collected 2, and Pridgen led the way for the Rams offensively with 2 RBIs.
The Rams will hit the road to play at Brunswick CC on Wednesday, April 15th. Game time is set for 2:00 PM. Then, the Rams will host Pitt CC this weekend in a 3-game set. Games 1 and 2 are set for Saturday, April 18th at 1:00 and 4:00 PM, and Game 3 will take place on Sunday, April 19th at 12:00 PM. Be sure to come out and support your Rams this year. There are only 3 weeks left in the season! Tickets are only $10, and students get in for FREE at home games with a valid student ID.