Sanderson strikes back, rallies to top Millbrook baseball 5-4
Sanderson rallied from four runs down with three runs in the sixth inning and two in the seventh to hand 4A Cap-8 Conference baseball rival Millbrook its first league loss 5-4 on Wednesday night at Optimist Park.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the third inning and seemed to be poised for victory as defensive gems helped them out of jams. However, the Spartans’ bats came alive late and Sanderson came away with the win.
After scoring three in the sixth off of Wildcats’ starter Reid Herring, the top of the Sanderson lineup forged two more off closer Porter Baldwin for the win.
Sanderson ended a three-game losing skid to its rivals and improved to 10-5 overall, creating a tie for first in the Cap-8 with Millbrook (10-6) at 6-1.
Turning point
Sanderson had the top of its lineup in shortstop Cory Wood, third baseman Tommy Clerkin and center fielder Ray Stocum up against Baldwin.
Wood earned a single on the first pitch he saw, stealing both second and third while Clerkin worked a walk. After Clerkin took second uncontested, Stocum laced a single up the middle, plating both runners and setting off a wild celebration.
“We’ve been there before,” Stocum said of the 4-0 deficit. “We were down seven to East Wake and came back and scored 17 unanswered. We are a confident team and we know we can get it done.”
What worked
The relief pitching of Sanderson right-hander James Walker.
The senior entered in the third inning and gave up a two-RBI double to Millbrook catcher Dennis Delgado that made it 4-0.
However, he didn’t allow another run in spreading out three hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings to get the win.
“He’s done that all year long,” Sanderson head coach Todd Laughlin said. “He’s been consistent and he’s found his confidence and has gained the confidence of his teammates.”
Said Walker: “I was just trying to keep them from scoring again. Let my defense do the work and help us get back in the game.”
Needs improvement
Clutch hitting of the Wildcats, which left 10 runners on base.
Millbrook got its lead-off batter on base in each of the first six innings, but only was able to score in the third inning.
“We left 1,000 guys on base,” Millbrook head coach Austin James said. “We let them hang around too long. And if you let a team as good as they are to hang around, they’re going to find a way to put things together.”
Three to know
Tyler Snead, Millbrook: Center fielder was 2 for 3 with a walk in the lead-off spot.
Cory Wood, Sanderson: Shortstop was 3 for 4 with three stolen bases. Only time he didn’t reach was on a line drive to center that was gloved at the last moment.
Andrew Strickland, Millbrook: Designated hitter reached base all four times via two walks, a single and a hit by pitch.
This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 9:50 PM with the headline "Sanderson strikes back, rallies to top Millbrook baseball 5-4."