Greene Central shuts out North Lenoir behind strong pitching performance
Greene Central shuts out North Lenoir behind strong pitching performance
LA GRANGE — In a matchup dominated by pitching, Greene Central used a key fifth inning and a strong effort on the mound to defeat North Lenoir 3–0 on Friday.
The game, played at North Lenoir, remained scoreless through four innings as both teams traded strikeouts and worked out of jams. Greene Central finally broke through in the top of the fifth, capitalizing on a timely hit and a few miscues to plate the game’s only runs.
Senior Riley Radford helped spark the inning with a single down the left field line as the Rams generated momentum. Greene Central would go on to score three runs in the frame to take control of the game.
The Rams were led on the mound by sophomore Sutton Harris, who delivered an impressive start. Harris allowed just two hits over six scoreless innings while striking out seven. Senior Noah Roberson came on in relief and closed the door in the seventh inning, striking out three to secure the shutout.
The outing marked Harris’ first appearance against North Lenoir and continued the growth he showed as a freshman last season when he finished 3–2 with a 3.37 ERA.
Greene Central finished with four hits in the game. Radford drove in a run while collecting one hit in two at-bats. Junior Mason Dillon, sophomore Logan Burress, and Harris each added a hit for the Rams.
The Rams also showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks and creating pressure on the bases. Roberson, Radford, Harris, and senior Will Radford each recorded stolen bases as Greene Central kept North Lenoir’s defense on its heels.
North Lenoir had a strong performance on the mound as well. Senior James Peay started for the Hawks and struck out nine batters over 4.2 innings. Peay even delivered an immaculate inning in the first, striking out the side on nine pitches. Sophomore Hunter Southerland and sophomore Eli Cannon combined to finish the game in relief.
At the plate, North Lenoir managed two hits, coming from senior Bryce Arnette and freshman Mason Murphy. Sophomore Daniel Boyette reached base twice with two walks as the Hawks drew six free passes as a team.
Despite the loss, North Lenoir has historically held the edge in the series. The Hawks are 21–11 against Greene Central since 2008 and had won six of the previous nine meetings between the programs entering Friday’s game.
Greene Central improved to 2–1 on the season after coming off a loss to Hunt. The Rams will travel to face Northern Nash on March 9.
North Lenoir fell to 1–2 following a loss to White Oak earlier in the week. The Hawks will return home to host South Lenoir on March 10.
