Crutcher, Paradowski Power HiToms Past Gastonia

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Austin Crutcher and Alec Paradowski drove in seven runs combined Friday as the High Point-Thomasville HiToms defeated the Gastonia Grizzlies 10-5.

HiToms right fielder Austin Crutcher (jr., Bellarmine) smacked his first home run of the game in the bottom of the second inning, a solo shot to center field. After Gastonia (19-12, 0-3) answered with two runs in the top of the third, Alec Paradowski (so., Wofford) cranked a two-run homer to left field, giving the HiToms a 3-2 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the HiToms (13-17, 1-2) scored four runs capped by Crutcher’s second solo homer of the game giving High Point-Thomasville a 7-2 lead. The Grizzlies climbed within two scoring two runs in the top of the second and one in the top of the eighth, but the home team provided extra Independence Day fireworks in the bottom half. Logan Taylor (fr., Louisville) notched a RBI single with a runner on third before Paradowski went deep for the second time in the game with a two-run long ball to right.

Pat Dyer (jr., Akron – 2-2) earned the win going seven innings allowing four runs – two earned – on 10 hits with nine strikeouts.

The HiToms look to continue their winning ways as they hit the road Saturday to face the Forest City Owls. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 P.M.