Bats Erupt in the Eighth as HiToms Defeat Mustangs

MARTINSVILLE, V.A. – Des Roberts continued his hot hitting with two RBIs and Preston Johnson logged close to seven innings of two-run ball as the HiToms defeated the Martinsville Mustangs 11-2.

The HiToms (3-4) brought the bats out early and grabbed an early 1-0 lead, starting the game with three straight hits capped by Des Roberts’ (rs jr., UNC-Charlotte) RBI single up the middle. Ahead 3-2 in the top of the sixth, they tacked on two runs in the top of the sixth. With runners on first and second to lead off the frame, the HiToms used aggressive base running to score as Spencer Mahoney (jr., Valparaiso) scored from second on a fielder’s choice. Roberts then followed with his second RBI single of the day, this time a line drive to right field.

It was in the top of the eighth, however, where the HiToms put the game away. Ahead 5-2 with two on and two out, Matt Orth (rs fr., North Carolina) lined a two-run single to center field. Then just one pitch later, center fielder Cody Brittain (so., USC-Upstate) smacked a RBI triple to deep right-center field before Nick Dini (jr., Wagner) notched an infield RBI single to bring the tally to 9-2. Two batters later with the bases loaded, Spencer Mahoney (jr., Valparaiso) walked to drive in a run. Then with Alec Paradowski (jr., Wofford) at the plate, a wild pitch chased home the final run of the frame.

HiToms starting pitcher Preston Johnson (1-1) earned the win going six and two-thirds innings, allowing two runs on six hits, two walks, and punching out two.

The HiToms return home to Finch Field for a five-game CPL home stand, starting against the Florence Red Wolves on Friday. First pitch is at 7:00 P.M.