No. 2 Morehead continues to roll with win over Rockingham County
As anxious as Morehead's baseball team is to get back into postseason play, the Panthers have yet to lose sight of what's in front of them.
The final week of their regular season slate began with a 7-2 win on their home field over Rockingham County. It improves the team's record to 19-0.
Monday night was a display of why the Panthers are so excited to flip the calendar over to May.
Morehead shook off an early 1-0 deficit by flexing two of the most valuable assets that a team can have in the postseason -- a balanced lineup and pitching depth.
A passed ball in the top of the first is what gave the Cougars a short-lived advantage.
Anderson Nance began the home half of the frame with a double, and scored on a Briar Woods RBI single to left.
When the Panthers were able to turn the lineup over for the first time, the floodgates broke open. Seth Sharpe singled out of the nine hole and Nance followed with a two out walk. Freshman Zachary Grogan kept the line moving when he crushed a ball the other way for a two-run double.
Woods added another run-scoring single in the fourth, and saw two more score on the back end of a fielder's choice that was thrown away.
A 6-1 lead through four was plenty to back Carson Moore's effort on the mound.
The senior Barton recruit entered the night with 8.2 innings pitched under his belt, but left after six strong. He struck out five, scattered six hits, and only allowed one earned run.
Both sides traded runs in the sixth. Cole Behe drove in Ethan Bognar with a Cougar single, and Lucas Brooks roped a hit to left in the bottom of the inning to score Moore and push the lead to 7-2.
Brooks took over on the hill in the top of the seventh and picked up one strikeout while retiring the side in order.
Morehead closes out the week with three more home games. A non-conference tilt against Dudley on Wednesday, and a Friday doubleheader versus North Forsyth.
Rockingham County is now 15-5 overall following the loss. The Cougars are still atop the Mid-State 3A Conference with an 11-1 record in league play.
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