Eagles fall to Asheboro

May 18, 2011

By Calvin Walters of Eastern Alamance High School


Two unearned runs in the third inning gave visiting Asheboro Blue Comets' pitcher Travis Davis all the run support he would need.  The senior pitcher allowed only one run on six hits over seven innings of work.

Asheboro took their lead in the third inning with a pair of hits after an Eagle error allowed a Blue Comets runner on base with one out.  After a groundout moved the runner to second the Blue Comets struck with back to back hits.  Shortstop Ryne Rush doubled before clean-up hitter Dylan Prevatte drove him in with a single of his own.

The two runs spoiled what was otherwise a strong pitching performance from Eastern Alamance starter Blake Gilliam, and relief pitcher Nick Monroe.  Gilliam, a senior, allowed six hits and no earned runs over four innings of work.  Monroe came in relief in the fifth inning and allowed only one hit while striking out four.

Eastern Alamance had a chance to chip into the Asheboro lead in the sixth inning, but failed to capitalize on a bases loaded situation.

Jack Metcalf led the Eagles at the plate as the senior recorded a 2-3 night, scoring the lone Eagle run.  Metcalf lead off the seventh inning with a double down the right field line, and after advancing to third on a passed ball was driven in on a Robbie Lanier groundout.

Ryan Couch also went 2-3 on the night, reaching on an error in his first at bat.  Jake Wood and Blake Gilliam had the only other Eagle hits.

With the loss Eastern Alamance finished off one of the most succesfull seasons school history, capturing the first conference title since 1998, and setting the record for most wins in a single season.