On a night where Charles Henderson honored the seven senior members of its No. 1 ranked baseball team, it was a junior reserve player that stole the show in the 5-2 win over Brantley.

John Michael Stephens came off the bench, and on the mound in the second inning. The relief appearance got off to a rocky start, with Bulldog infielder Ash Haws knocking a single on the second pitch from Stephens.

After that single, Stephens settled down and turned in a strong outing for the Trojans.

“John Michael is a really good pitcher,” said Charles Henderson head coach Derek Irons. “I know he is capable of nights like that, and I’m really happy we were finally able to get some work for him. He did a fantastic job.”

Stephens finished the night with 10 strikeouts and gave up just two hits while picking up the win.

“I kind of got a late start to the season because we such a good season in basketball,” said the 6-foot-6 inch soft spoken junior. “I had my pitches working pretty good tonight, and just kept wanting to throw the next one. It is fun to throw on nights like tonight.”

At the plate, Charles Henderson was led by Rhett Tucker.

Tucker, a reserve infielder, doubled in two runs for the Trojans in the bottom of the first.

“We got some big days from some guys who haven’t played that much this season,” said Irons. “It makes it easier to know that if something to were to happen in the playoffs, we have some guys that can produce off the bench.

Charles Henderson opens the playoffs at home on Friday against Brewbaker Tech.

First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.