Pinecrest baseball takes down Lee County

Zach Pruitt belted a three-RBI double in the fourth inning to break open a close game as Pinecrest defeated Lee County 13-6 in a nonconference baseball game on Wednesday.

The Yellow Jackets led 6-5 entering the bottom half of the fourth, but the Patriots scored five times in the frame to take command.

Pinecrest shortstop Tommy Vinson, returning from an injury, and centerfielder Zach Martinez, who will be playing for the College of Charleston next year, also had hits during the decisive inning.

Nik Pry, a junior who is committed to North Carolina, smacked a first inning home run for the Patriots, who improved to 9-3 overall.

“I really like our team,” said Pinecrest coach Jeff Hewitt. “This has been a season of injuries, but it has allowed us to get other players involved, which will help in the long run.”

Lee County (8-6) posted seven base hits. Dylan Cox went 2-for-3, while Trey North had three RBI and Bailey Howard scored twice for the Yellow Jackets, who had just come off an 11-1 victory over Grays Creek the night before.

“Tonight we threw different guys, but we just struggled on the mound,” said Lee County coach Jevon Wade. “We’re battling some health issues, but once we get everybody back we’ll be tough.”

Will Helms was steady on the mound for Pinecrest after he came on in relief during the fourth, surrendering just one run in his three innings of work to earn the win.

This story was originally published March 30, 2017 at 10:18 AM with the headline "Pinecrest baseball takes down Lee County."