HobbsDailyReport.com
NEWTON – Kyran Russ’ grand slam was a highlight Thursday as Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) grabbed its 33rd victory of the baseball season, downing visiting Rockingham Coummity College 14-8.
RUSS
Russ hit his 10th home run of the season in the second inning at the Legion Fairgrounds, and the Red Hawks (33-11) had 13 hits in the victory.
CVCC took a quick 3-0 lead during the bottom of the first inning on RBI singles from Jimmy Marcelli and David Graves and an RBI ground out by Willie Gordon.
The Eagles (13-14-1) responded with seven runs in the top of the second inning, including a two-run double by Lucus Tipton, an RBI double by Gavin Taylor and RBI singles from Jehu Zarate and Caleb Henderson.
CVCC answered that with seven runs in the bottom of the second inning, including Russ’ grand slam and a two-run home run by designated hitter Matt Yarbrough, his second homer of the season.
Red Hawks relief pitchers kept RCC at bay after that. Chris Banks, Josh Rice, Chase Covington, Tyler Nigro and Will Angel combined to allow just two hits, five walks and strike out nine over the game’s final seven innings.
Graves went 3-for-3 and drove in three runs, while Marcelli went 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBIs. R.J. Conner and Dickson Moscoso each drove in a run for CVCC.
CVCC’s next game is Saturday in Whiteville against Southeastern Community College. The Red Hawks and the Rams play one nine-inning and one seven-inning game on Saturday and a nine-inning game on Sunday.
- Reported by CVCC Sports Information