No. 1 Trojans rally late to knock off Andalusia
Published 11:02 pm Friday, March 22, 2013
![Xavius Burden picked up the win for Charles Henderson against Andalusia on Friday (Photo/Ryan McCollough)](https://www.troymessenger.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2013/03/3.23.CHHS_.BB_.burden.rm_.web_.jpg)
Xavius Burden picked up the win for Charles Henderson against Andalusia on Friday (Photo/Ryan McCollough)
The No. 1 ranking given to Charles Henderson by the Alabama Sports Writers Association is a target for every opponent the Trojans face.
Head Coach Derek Irons knows it, and has told his team that.
Charles Henderson (17-1) played catch-up nearly the entire afternoon against Andalusia, before coming up with three runs in the sixth inning to pull out a 7-5 win.
Charles Henderson trailed Andalusia 5-4 entering the bottom half of the sixth, before scorring three runs on two hits, one each form Blake Craft and Morgan Shaver, to take the lead.
“I think it says a lot about this team to pul this one out,” said Irons. “They took the lead on a suicide steal, then we were able to respond with three big runs in the sixth to get ahead. They never quit, and it shows our attitude.”
The theme of the season for the Trojans so far in 2013 has been pitiching and defense, but on Friday it was the bats that did most of the work.
Hunter Baggett, Blake Craft and Joey Denison each had two hits for the Trojans in the win.
Irons spoke highly of Craft and Shaver’s ability to get on base.
“Those guys went 6-6 in quality at bats today,” said Irons. “We needed a good day at the plate, because pitching was just a little off. Zae and Tripp were not bad, but the bats were hot today.”
Burden got the win on the mound, throwing two and two-thirds innings.
The win for the Trojans keeps the momentum rolling for the team, who has not lost a game since Feb. 28, and is prepping for a long stretch of games.
“We have a stretch here of about 10 games in four days,” said Irons. “We will see some really good ball teams over the next few days, and will have to keep our momentum going.”
The Trojans head south to take part in the Gulf Coast Classic in Gulf Shores Monday through Wednesday of next week.