Giants, Royals win in 11-12 Ripken play

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard

Derek Brumley of the Woodlee’s Auto Body A’s fouls off a pitch during a game last week at the Dottie West Field. (Rob Nunley photo)

The Security Federal Giants maintained their perfect record in the 11- and 12-year-old Cal Ripken league Thursday night, downing the Woodlee’s Auto Body A’s 9-3.

Scoring four runs in each of the first two innings, the Giants, who improved to 6-0 and trail Rubley’s Rangers by a half-game, added a single run in the third to seal the victory.

Caleb Underhill got the start, pitching three innings and giving up four hits and two runs while striking out four batters. Cody Fults worked the fourth inning, allowing two hits and a run while fanning three A’s.

At the plate, Kaleb Tilton went 2-for-2 with two runs scored, while Underhill had two hits and also scored twice. Garrison Holmes was 2-for-3 with two doubles, while Fults, Gavin Lewis, Nathan Patterson, August Palombo, John Martin and Jonathan Burton had a hit apiece.

The A’s got a 2-for-2 night from Aaron Taylor, who had a double, while Micah Panter, Daniel Carter, Derek Brumley and Hayden Wood had a hit each.

Wood worked the first inning, giving up four runs on three hits and two walks, while Brett Mullican pitched four innings of relief, striking out six, before giving way to Brumley. The A’s dropped to 2-4 with the loss.

In Thursday night’s other 11-12 game, McCormack’s Royals benefited from a three-run third as they edged Morris’ Auto Body Yankees 5-3.

Dustin Rhea went 3-for-3 with a triple in the winning effort, while McKay Bowles was 2-for-3 with three runs scored and Dustin Morris had a hit.

Mitchell McCorkle pitched his way to the complete-game win, allowing four hits and three walks while surrendering three runs and striking out six batters.

The Yankees’ Logan Walker took the loss, pitching the game’s first five innings and fanning seven while walking three and allowing six hits. Chase Stewart pitched a scoreless sixth out of the bullpen.

Cory Sydenstricker, Walker, Lucas Felton and Stewart had the Yankees’ only hits.