Raiders manage 5-3 win over South Pittsburg in double header

Raiders manage 5-3 win over South Pittsburg in double header
TOP PHOTO: Moore County’s Colton Morey (#0) attempts to tag a South Pittsburg runner as he hurdles toward second base on Thursday. Morey led in walk with three. BOTTOM PHOTO: Ethan Walls (#7) throws a strike against the Pirates. He struck out four and walked six to earn the save. | PHOTO CREDIT: Jeff Reed

By Tabitha Evans Moore, EDITOR & PUBLISHER

LYNCHBURG – Moore County Raiders pitcher Jay Sparkman allowed just a single hit on Thursday at Moore County High School’s Jim Burton Field in the second game of a double hitter against South Pittsburg on Thursday to help the boys in Columbia blue to protect a five-run advantage down the stretch resulting in a 5-3 home win.

Moore County lost 2-9 in game one of the double hitter and won 5-3 in the second game. The win improves the Raiders record to 5-4, according to Game Changer. They kick off District 9 play on Monday, April 1 with a game at Huntland.

Six walks and four stolen bases

Moore County earned a 5-0 lead over South Pittsburg headed into the bottom of the fifth inning thanks to hits by Ethan Walls, Keller Morey, Jace Long, Peyton Martin, and Will Parker.

Jay Sparkman led off for Moore County. The righty surrendered just one hit and three runs over a little over five innings. He struck out four and walked six. Ethan Walls collected the save down the stretch – allowing just one hit and zero runs in a little over an inning.

Walls also led for Moore County with three RBIs on four at-bats. He and fellow Raider Jace Long collected two hits each for the Raiders. Will Parker, Keller Morey, Peyton Martin all added a hit each. A heads-up Colton Morey managed three walks and set the tone. A patient Moore County team managed six walks against South Pittsburg pitcher Bailey Fults. Blakely Bobo led in steals with two of the Raiders four stolen bases. Moore County also did not commit a single error.

Moore County now moves on to a game at Whitwell next Tuesday before heading to the Yellow Jacket Classic in Chattanooga next Friday. •

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