Gage Spagna delivered a standout performance, driving in four runs on three hits to lead the New Bern Southpaws to a commanding 15-3 victory over the River City Skippers.
Spagna got things started in a big way with a three-run homer to center field in the top of the second inning. He added an RBI single in the third and a run-scoring walk in the sixth, finishing the day as the clear offensive catalyst for New Bern.
The Southpaws jumped out early, scoring one run in the first inning on a single by Shawn Gerard, a double from Ricky Cooke, and an RBI groundout by Maja Brown. They then exploded for five runs in the third inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Gabriel Kennedy, Spagna’s RBI single, and two more runs that scored on an error.
River City’s only answer came in the bottom of the third when James Fenton hit a solo home run to left field.
On the mound, Ethan Stines earned the win for New Bern, allowing just one run on four hits over four innings while striking out four. Drew Rommel came on in relief and pitched two innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out two. Quentin Smith took the loss for the Skippers, surrendering 13 runs (nine earned) on nine hits in four innings.
The Southpaws pounded out 10 hits and drew an impressive 13 walks as a team. Spagna, Jason Caccavaro, Gabriel Kennedy, and Joseph Lund each walked twice. New Bern also turned two double plays defensively.
Fenton paced the Skippers with two RBIs, going 2-for-3 on the day.
The Southpaws will look to keep their momentum rolling when they return home to face the Outer Banks Swinging Mullets on Tuesday at Historic Kafer Park.