Raleigh ends Indians season with playoff sweep
Indian CF Frank Thigpen hauls in a liner during game action on Saturday.
Hazlehurst SS Jarvis Warner fields a grounder and throws to first for an out on Saturday.
DaVonte McKinzie slides safely into second during Saturday’s ball game. PHOTOS BY CROCKETT ACTION SHOTS
GAME 1
RALEIGH 14, HAZLEHURST 4
The host team broke open a scoreless game by plating 5 runs in the bottom of the third and 6 more in the bottom of the fourth to cruise to the series-opening victory.
The Indians got no closer to 11-4 before the Lions added three more in the final two innings to run-rule the visitors.
Marcus Jordan was the bright spot in the lineup for Hazlehurst. Batting in the eighth spot, Jordan was 1-for-2–a double that knocked in a run for the Indians. Jordan also stole one base. Devote McKinzie also doubled and drive in a run.
Lion pitching attributed to 5 Indian strikeouts. However, the home team committed 5 errors of which Hazlehurst couldn’t take advantage. The Indians committed 3 errors.
Kenneth Coleman took the loss on the mound.
GAME 2
RALEIGH 11, HAZLEHURST 3
Back in Hazlehurst on Saturday, the Indians led 3-1 after four complete innings and seemed in control. The wheels fell off in the top of the 5th when the Lions plated 4, and, then again in the top of the 7th when 6 more crossed the plate for Raleigh. The Lions pounded out 10 hits; the Indians, 4.
D’Audrek West led Hazlehurst at the plate, going 1-for-2 with 2 RBI. Johnkil Skipper, Arick Grayer and McKinzie each collected one hit. Skipper and McKinzie had the other RBI’s with one each.
Grayer pitched and took the loss for Hazlehurst.
The Indians finished 13-14 under first-year coach Trey Lindsey.
Raleigh advances to face Southeast Lauderdale this weekend.
