Pike Patriots score early in win over Abbeville
Published 3:00 am Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Pike Patriots scored four runs in the fourth inning and cruised to a 6-2 win over the Abbeville Generals on Monday.
“We played really well,” said head coach Robert Rollan said. “It was a good start to the second half of the season. We pitched well and played good defense. It was overall just a great game.”
Bailey Rushing pitched six innings while only allowing two runs on four hits, one walk and five strikeouts.
“She is back to her old self,” Rollan said. “She hit her spots. Bailey is one of those pitchers that likes to throw it inside … They are a team that likes the ball over the plate.”
Amanda Finlayson finished the game 2-4 at the plate with two runs scored, Rushing went 3-4 with two RBIs and Sam Yarbrough finished the day 2-3 with two runs scored and one RBI.
The Patriots (16-13) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning when a Rushing double scored Finlayson and Yarbrough.
The Patriots picked up their third run of the game in the third inning when Finlayson started things with a double and later scored on a hit by Rushing.
The Patriots score four more runs in the fourth inning. Mallory Clifton got base via the walk followed up by a single by Kayla Dendy. Yarbrough got an RBI single. Rushing also had a run-producing hit in the inning to close out the scoring.
Monday’s game was the Patriots first after spring break.
“That is really good especially against Abbeville, they are a good team,” Rollan said. “They hit the ball well and they don’t quit. They demand your best, so I felt good with how well we played.”
The Patriots will return to area play on Tuesday when they host Escambia for a double-header beginning at 3:30 p.m.
“If we win both of those we will be tied in the area,” Rollan said. “It gets you closer to that automatic bid to state. That is what we are playing for.”