INDIAN LAND – In a series that will most likely decide the winner of Region 3-4A baseball title, the Catawba Ridge Copperheads won game one 10-2 in its series with the Indian Land Warriors.
Catawba Ridge started off strong scoring five runs in the top of the first inning to open the game with a 5-0 lead. The majority of those runs came off Indian Land errors as the Warriors made two errors and had several passed balls and wild pitches that allowed the Copperheads to score.
“We did what we had to do to get it done offensively,” said Catawba Ridge head coach Stas Swerdzewski. “We capitalized on some mistakes. Offensively, we didn’t have a great night. We got things moving on the bases and took advantage of some wild pitches.”
The Copperheads only had five hits in the game as Ben Wilson led them going 3-4 with four RBIs.
Catawba Ridge scored a run in both the second and third innings to go up 7-0 before Indian Land was able to plate a run.
Indian Land scored two runs in the bottom of the third, but was never able to pull any closer.
After two scoreless innings, Catawba Ridge plated three more runs in the top of the sixth inning to widen their lead. Three walks in the sixth inning and a two-run single by Wilson got the scoring started for the Copperheads in the inning. Catawba Ridge starter Jackson Mullen also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the inning as well.
Mullen pitched a complete game allowing the two runs on four hits while walking four and striking out nine for Catawba Ridge.
Winning the opening game of the series was very important for the Copperheads, but Swerdzewski said he knows his team can’t rest.
“We have some momentum right now,” Swerdzewski said. “The only thing you worry about with momentum is becoming complacent. Indian Land is a really good team and if we don’t bring the focus and energy on Wednesday, we will get beat.”
Catawba Ridge will host game two at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. The Copperheads improved to 15-3 overall and 10-0 in the region.
April 10 Roundup
Nation Ford
The Nation Ford golf team beat Fort Mill 151-157 in a dual match at Tega Cay Golf Club. Ben Mills led with a three under 33 and was followed by a 38 from Tyler Kemmerlin, a 39 from Carter Smith and a 41 from Harrison LaPointe. Fort Mill was led by a two under 34 from Cam Baker. Parker Harrigan followed with a 40 and a 41 from David Harrigan. Baker Tolentino finished with a 42 for Fort Mill.
The Nation Ford boys’ lacrosse team beat Riverside 8-4 on the road to improve to 12-3 overall on the season.
The Nation Ford tennis team beat Indian Land 6-0 to improve to 10-5 overall.
Fort Mill
The Fort Mill boys’ soccer team won in penalty kicks over Andrew Jackson after ending regulation and overtime tied at 2-2. They improved to 7-7-1 overall with the win.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
