Heart of HiToms Order Propel Team To Exhibition Win

THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Glen Batson and Cody Britton each notched two hits as the High Point-Thomasville HiToms won their second exhibition game against the Charlotte Crushers, 7-3.

The Crushers scored three runs in the top of the first inning off of starter Mike Reitcheck (freshman, Pennsylvania) on two consecutive bases-loaded infield singles and a fielder’s choice. But in the bottom of the first inning, Glen Batson (redshirt freshman, Clemson) smacked a two-run home run to left field to bring the HiToms within a run. They tied the game in the bottom 3rd when Colby Keane (junior, Winston-Salem State) scored on a wild pitch with the bases loaded.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Matt Orth (freshman, North Carolina) drew a walk with one out. After Nick Chapman (junior, UNC-Greensboro) singled and Alec Paradowski (sophomore, Wofford) walked to load the bases, Charlotte’s Nick Benedetto threw a wild pitch which allowed Orth to score from third and give the HiToms the lead for good. They would extend that lead in the bottom of the seventh after Cody Brittain (sophomore, USC-Upstate) ripped an RBI double to left and later scored on a throwing error from center field. Two batters later, Orth singled to right field and drove in the team’s seventh and final run of the day.

Blake Smith (junior, Morehead State) earned the win in relief going two innings allowing two hits and striking out two.

The HiToms open their Coastal Plain League season on the road against the Asheboro Copperheads Tuesday night at 7pm. The team then returns to Finch Field on Wednesday to open its CPL slate at home against the Forest City Owls with first pitch at 7pm.