behind Hudson’s pitching

By RICKY COUCH

Sports Writer

The PLAS Patriots used tough pitching and big offensive plays to cruise past the SMCA Raiders 11-4 at home Friday.

A great performance by pitcher Will Hudson who allowed only three hits, along with lively Patriot bats kept the Raiders far behind most of the afternoon.

The Raiders sent Hudson off to a rocky start, however. After allowing two SMCA players on base Hudson gave up a big three-run shot to left-center putting Pike Liberal Arts in the hole early. But Hudson responded at the plate in the bottom of the first with a big RBI double to drive in one of three Patriot runs in the inning.

With the score tied it was a new ballgame. Hudson did not give the Raiders another hit for the rest of his tenure allowing only one base-runner aboard by way of a walk.

Hudson’s field support gave him more than enough help to ice the Raider offense. The Patriots did not commit a single error while turning two double plays.

All that Hudson needed were some runs and the PLAS bats would oblige.

After being fairly silent in the second and third innings the Patriots were able to thunder out a two-run fourth to put PLAS up for good.

Layton Sanders walked aboard and stole second to move into scoring position. Brad Eagerton stepped to the plate and delivered two-run homer to left to put the Patriots up 5-3.

The Raiders attempted to get something going with a man on base in the fifth, but on a routine fly ball, right fielder Scott Kirby caught a Raider baserunner sleeping to turn the double play and end the threat.

The Patriots grabbed one more run in the bottom of the fifth to stretch the lead. After a two base error put Curt Garrett on second things began to click for th Patriots. A Will Hughs bunt followed by a sacrifice fly by Chris Cambell brought Garrett home to bring the lead to 6-3.

The Raiders managed one more run in the sixth off relief pitcher Matt Floyd but the Patriot bats did not let Floyd down either putting up five runs in the sixth.

Hudson put two more runs into his cause with a two-RBI single. Cambell and Tate Powers used hits to get an RBI as well in the inning. Jeremy Henderson also scored taking home on a double steal to end the scoring with an 11-4 win.

After a tough first inning Hudson was unshakable on the mound. Hudson threw five innings allowing three runs on three hits while striking out six and walking only two. Floyd came on to pitch two hitless innings and earn the save.

At the plate the Patriots were led by Hudson who was two-for-four with three RBI’s, and Eagerton also two-for-four with two RBI’s. Cambell added two RBI’s for the Patriots as well.