Season Opener: Rams Pick Up Opening Win
GOLDSBORO—Greene Central's baseball team hit the ground running with a 21-1 win over Eastern Wayne, showing they're serious about making up for last season's playoff exit. With a strong start, the Rams proved they're not letting anything from the past slow them down.
Braden Burress led the charge, collecting three hits and continuing his streak of 19 straight games with a hit. The rest of the team followed suit, with the scoreboard reflecting their dominance throughout the game. It wasn't a surprise, as Eastern Wayne has struggled in the past, but it was a good sign that Greene Central hasn't lost its touch.
Riley Radford, Easton Creech and Burress combined for 9 RBIs with three each. R. Radford went 2-4 with two doubles.
Junior pitcher Austin Brock led the Rams on the mound pitching 3.0 inning giving up only one earned run, two hits, and striking out three Warriors. Senior pitcher Austin Hardy came in out of the bullpen to close the game out striking out all six batters.
Looking ahead, the Rams have a packed first week with games against Hunt and North Lenoir. Both teams gave the Rams an early loss last season. These matchups will test the team's depth and skills, especially the pitchers who are up against some tough hitters.
“Definitely the back half of the week is going to be tough, we got Hunt tomorrow they are always a good opponent,” HC Ben Brann said. “Then we have North Lenoir on Friday. It will definitely test depth of our pitching this year”
After the game, Burress said, "I thought we played well and as expected. The guys hit well, Brock threw strikes, and we had solid defense. I have full confidence Riley will be ready for Hunt tomorrow."
Will Radford, the team's sophomore catcher, made it clear that last year loss to Hunt is not a focal point this week.
"Not at all, it's a new season, new team for both schools."
This season is a fresh start, especially for the six seniors who have been with the varsity team since they were freshmen (Braden Burress, Cam Taylor, Noah Uzzell, Brady Anderson, Jordan Scott, and Austin Hardy). They're looking to leave their mark on Greene Central's five-time state championship baseball program.
As they move on to the next game, the Rams are focused on one game at a time, aiming to go further than they did last year. With a strong senior class and a convincing win under their belt, they're off to a good start.
BATTING
B. Burress 3-3, 4 runs, 4 RBIs, 1 3B, 2 SB
E. Creech 2-3, 3 runs, 3 RBIs, 1 SB
W. Radford 2-3, 1 run, 2 RBIs, 2B
R. Radford 2-4, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, 2 2B
C. Taylor 1-3, 1 run, 2 RBIs, 1 2B, 1 SB
A. Brock 1-3, 1 RBI
N. Uzzell 1-2, 2 runs, 1 RBIs
B. Anderson 0-1, 2 runs, 2 BB
E. Monroe 0-1, 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 BB
J. Scott 1-2, 2 runs, 2 RBIs
A. Hardy 1-1
N. Roberson 0-1, 2 runs
PITCHING
A Brock (1-0) 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks, 1 HR (W)
A Hardy (0-0, 1 SV) 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 6 Ks
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