By Staff
From Staff,
Press Reports
Escambia County High School's varsity baseball team got back on the winning track Tuesday with a 3-1 road win over Greenville High. The win came in the area opening contest for ECHS.
The Blue Devils plated runs in the first, second and seventh innings while allowing only one run in the fourth to take the victory.
"We played a lot better tonight," said ECHS head baseball coach Keith Nall. "We finally got some hits with men in scoring position. We looked more relaxed at the plate and were more disciplined. This is something we stressed (Monday) at practice, and it paid off.
"We talked about tonight being the beginning of our second season since this was our first area game. We responded well and played extremely well. If we can continue playing this way, we have a great shot at getting into the playoffs."
Dereke Martin got the scoring started when he led the game off with a single, then stole second and scored on an RBI single by Craig Montel.
In the second frame, Franklin Boykin led things off with a single and moved to second on a Chris Graham sacrifice bunt. Norris Brooks then reached on an infield single with two outs, with Boykin scoring when the ball got past the first baseman.
In the seventh, Boykin led off with a double and scored on an RBI single by Graham.
Boykin led the offense by going 2-for-3 at the plate as the Blue Devils pounded out seven hits on the night. On the mound, Anthony Patrick tossed a completed game three-hitter, allowing only the one run off two walks and four strikeouts.
"We played another good defensive game," Nall said. "Anthony Patrick threw a very good ballgame tonight. This was our first complete game of the year.
"I was very proud of the way we had guys step up in key situations and get base hits when we needed them. This is something we haven't had the last few games. Overall, I was pleased with our effort."