The New Bern Southpaws put on a dominant offensive performance Sunday afternoon, defeating the River City Skippers 15-3 in the Old North State League.
Gage Spagna led the charge for New Bern, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs. The standout performance included a three-run homer to center field in the second inning, an RBI single in the third, and a run-scoring walk in the sixth.
The Southpaws jumped on the Skippers early, plating a run in the first inning on a single by Shawn Gerard, a double from Ricky Cooke, and a groundout by Maja Brown. They then erupted for five more runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Gabriel Kennedy and another RBI single from Spagna. An error by the Skippers also allowed two additional runs to score.
James Fenton provided the only bright spot for River City, hitting a solo home run to left field in the bottom of the third.
On the mound, Ethan Stines earned the win for New Bern. The right-hander tossed four strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits while striking out four and walking none. Drew Rommel pitched two innings in relief, surrendering two runs (one earned) and striking out two.
Quentin Smith took the loss for the Skippers, struggling through four innings and allowing 13 runs (nine earned) on nine hits.
The Southpaws were relentless at the plate, collecting 10 hits and drawing an impressive 13 walks. Spagna, Jason Caccavaro, Gabriel Kennedy, and Joseph Lund each walked twice. New Bern also turned two double plays defensively.
The Southpaws will be back in action Tuesday Night at Historic Kafer Park in New Bern taking on the Outer Banks Swinging Mullets.