Game Recaps

Kernersville would rebound from a heartbreaking opening round tourney loss to win four games in extreme hot and humid conditions over the weekend in Hickory, capturing the Carolina-Virginia Collegiate tourney title. Kernersville had an 11-7 lead going into the ninth inning but Catawba Valley erupted for seven runs sending the Bulldogs to a 14-11 loss. The loss spoiled a solid outing from starter Jordan Jessup on the mound and the multi-hit performances of Myles Pearl, John Neese and Alex Starbuck.

Adam Hart took to the mound in game two and hurled a one hit shutout of Roanoke picking up his seventh win of the year. Roanoke had just come off a 14 inning 5-4 loss to the Hurricanes in game one. Kernersville jumped out with five runs in the first inning including a two run homer from Brad Pippa and doubles from MikeParker, Lester Rivenbark, and Cody Walker. Alex Starbuck drove in Josh Strickland with a run in the fifth inning and Kernersville capped the 10-0 victory with four runs in the seventh.

On Sunday the second seed Central Virgina awaited the Bulldogs in game one. Corey Norman picked up the win with an outstanding pitching performance going seven innings allowing just five hits. Jacob Moore finished off Central, recording six strikeouts in the 10-2 win. Pacing the offense was Mike Parker was 2-3 with a double, Brad Pippa 2-4 with a double and Myles Pearl 3-3 including a homer.

A rematch with Catawba Valley in the losers finals was another outstanding game and Kernersville prevailed 15-9. “It was like two championship fighters with give and take with each team having leads and not holding on. Pitching was good but the batters desire required great defensive plays to just get out of each inning,” stated assistant coach Freddy Transou. Catawba got 17 hits while Kernersville countered with 10 but had seven extra base hits including a monster two run homer by John Neese. With the score tied 9-9 in the eighth, Stephen Andrews led off with a double and scored on a bases loaded walk by Aaron Jones. Brad Pippa had a two run double and Myles Pearl contributed another two run double. Daniel Coffey’s sacrifice fly produced the six run finish as reliever JD Dudding picked up his 5th win of the year.