West Johnston baseball beats Clayton 8-1 to widen conference lead to two games
West Johnston only needed 48 hours to break open a tight Greater Neuse River Conference baseball race for a two-game lead on Clayton.
West Johnston (11-9, 9-1 GRNC) and Clayton (13-7, 7-3 GRNC) began the week tied for first place, but the Wildcats added an 8-1 win Thursday night on the Comets’ Pleasant Field to their 6-2 victory on Tuesday at their home field.
A two-game lead with only four to play will be tough for Clayton to overcome.
West Johnston pitcher Cameron Meyers tossed a complete-game with eight strikeouts. Shortstop Tony Mack was 2-of-4 with two RBIs, first baseman Wade Eatmon was 3-of-4 with two runs scored and Trevor Wilson 2-of-4 with two RBIs.
The Comets scored first with smart baseball in the second inning after Zach Greene singled. Connor Lane’s sacrifice bunt moved him to second and he scored on a two-out single by No. 9 hitter Mason Medlin.
West Johnston evened the game with a two-out rally in the fifth. Peyton Richards, the No. 9 hitter, walked and shortstop Tony Mack followed with a double to tie the game.
But what looked like it might be an extra-inning affair changed drastically in the sixth when smart baseball escaped the Comets.
TURNING POINT
In the the sixth, five of West Johnston’s six runs were unearned. Andre Wilson and Wade Eatman singled with one out and both came home on an error that allowed Garrett Giddens to advance to third base. He scored Trevor Wilson’s double to left-center and Tony Mack followed with his second RBI, a single. He scored on a wild pitch and another fielding error brought home Hunter Hood after he walked.
THREE TO KNOW
Cameron Meyers, West Johnston: The senior pitcher uses a unique herky-jerky delivery that starts in a crouch, but it works. He only allowed one hit in the final four innings.
Blake Joyner, Clayton: The UNC-Pembroke-bound centerfielder threw out a runner at the plate trying to score from second to preserve a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Joyner fielded a one-hop line drive in straightaway center and threw a strike to the plate to allow catcher Connor Lane ample time to make the catch and tag.
Tyler Tuthill, Clayton: The sophomore left-hander threw four strong innings before he tired in the fifth. He allowed only two hits with four strikeouts through 4 2/3 before he was pulled after allowing two walks and an RBI double.
SPECIAL VISITOR
Carolina Mudcats relief pitcher Evan Phillips, a Clayton alum, stopped by practice Wednesday to throw the ball around a little and talk with the Comets.
“It’s great for the kids to see what kind of players come out of the program,” said Kim Smith, the Comets’ JV coach. “They stay humble and still come back.”
Phillips picked up the save in last week’s home opener for the Atlanta Braves High-A team. He’s 0-1 with a 0.00 ERA with seven strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings and four appearances.
This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 9:43 PM with the headline "West Johnston baseball beats Clayton 8-1 to widen conference lead to two games."