THOMASVILLE. N.C. – Chase Billings drove in two runs as the Kernersville Bulldogs defeated the High Point-Thomasville HiToms 5-4 in a Sunday afternoon exhibition game.
The Bulldogs (3-2, 1-1 CVCL) did most of their damage in a three-run top of the second inning with Ben Temple’s RBI single to center field and capped by Shane Billings’ RBI fielder’s choice. The HiToms answered, however, with a with a RBI fielder’s choice from Matt Vernon (fr., NC State) in the bottom half.
Trailing 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning with runners at first and second, HiToms catcher Pete Guy (so., UNC-Asheville) squibbed an infield single up the middle and Cody Brittain (so., USC Upstate), the runner on second, sprinted around third and scored as the Kernersville infield tried to make the play at first. Dale Urquhart (jr., Western Carolina) followed with a line drive RBI single up the middle to bring High Point-Thomasville within a run. Kernersville pitcher Alex Embler had other ideas, though, as he retired the final two batters in the frame.
Kernersville tacked on a run in the top of the eighth off a Shane Billings RBI single, making the score 5-3. The HiToms tried to rally in the ninth as Alec Paradowski, (so., Wofford) drew a leadoff walk and took second on a wild pitch. He scored in the inning via an error at shortstop, but with the tying run on first and two out, Bulldogs pitcher Brennen James struck out the last batter of the game to earn the save.
The HiToms (2-2 CPL) continue Coastal Plain League play tomorrow as they embark on a three-game road swing, starting with the Wilmington Sharks at The Shark Tank Monday night. First pitch is at 7:00 P.M.
Great Game last night. Greg Suire and his staff have going strong at Finch Field!! What a great atmosphere. If you think as a parent your kid is a college prospect maybe you need to attend a few HiToms games and see what a college player looks like up close.
Dale Ijames Kernersville Bulldogs are well coached and have several kids that may get drafted soon. The Bulldogs play Tuesday and Randolph Macon’s Austin Bain {SEG} may see his first mound time for the Bulldogs.
Southeast Guilford’s Colby Keene {WSSU}, Cody Ezzell {Lenior Rhyne} and Craig Jacobelli {Phieffer} are playing for the HiToms Locos a new developmental team for the HiToms.
Charlie Pannell