CHHS splits two games with Robert E. Lee
Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 8, 2001
Sports Editor
Perhaps Robert E. Lee pitcher Justin Ingram took Scott Stetson for an easy out in the first game of Charles Henderson’s doubleheader with the Generals on Wednesday.
But with two runners on in the bottom of the seventh and just one down, it was the undersized Stetson who gave the Trojans a 2-1 win over Lee, when the senior left fielder ripped an RBI single just inside the right field foul line.
The ball got past Generals’ first baseman Michael Collins and skirted into the outfield far enough to allow the Trojans’ Brett Pierce to make it all the way home from second base, beating the throw home with plenty of time to spare.
Stetson’s hit in the seventh was his only one of the night and it was fellow senior Kevin Stephens who gave his teammate the opportunity to hit the game winner.
Michael Thomas gave Lee the 1-0 lead in the second with a solo shot into left field, but four innings later
Stephens opened up the sixth with a home run of his own, tying the game at 1-1.
The senior shortstop also had his hand in the Trojans’ defensive effort in the top of the seventh. Thomas popped up to start the inning for Lee and then Tommy Collier and Ingram both hit ground balls to Stephens, who corralled them on the hop and threw in stride to first base, recording the next two outs.
Clint Pugh struck out to start the final inning, but then Pete Van Horn and Jarvis Woods both reached base on walks. Pierce came in to pinch run for Van Horn and Stetson’s hit ended the game in favor of the Trojans.
Justin Simms was starting pitcher for the Trojans and gave up three hits, including the home run to Thomas. Simms struck out five batters before giving way to David Taylor in the top of the sixth.
Taylor struck out two Lee batters, came off of the mound to chase down a ground ball and – while falling on his back – fired the ball to first base, beating the runner for the out.
The home run by Stephens and the winning single by Stetson overshadowed and otherwise good performance by Ingram, who went the distance for Lee, striking out five
CHHS batters. Pugh and Van Horn also had singles for the Trojans.
Lee avenged the close loss in the opening contest by taking a 6-0 win in the second game.
The Charles Henderson varsity team (10-4) will have a week off, taking the field next on March 16th in Wetumpka against the Indians.