By By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
CHOCOWINITY — Southside coach Red Lewis called for his team to get off to a fast start to the 2009 season, and his players responded with a 12-2, six-inning victory over Pamlico on opening day Thursday.
Seahawks’ pitcher Brad Boyd looked sharp as he struck out seven batters in five innings while allowing one run, three hits and no walks.
The Southside hitters did their job too, as the team scored in every inning except for the first and walloped Pamlico (0-2) pitching for 14 hits to improve to 1-0.
Lewis, whose team only had six wins last season, said that while he was happy with the opening day performance, the Seahawks must keep the win in perspective.
Focus wasn’t a problem for Boyd, who showed solid command and good use of his off-speed pitches against the Hurricanes.
The Seahawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Daniel Jennings smacked the ball to left field to drive in Kevin Sparks and Alerie Elks.
Southside would double its lead in the next inning. Some aggressive base running advanced Brad Boyd to third, putting him in position to score on a wild pitch and take a 3-0 lead.
After a Sam Jarman walk, Sparks smashed a double that would score Jarman and give Southside a 4-0 advantage.
The Seahawks would tack on three more runs in the fourth thanks to back-to-back RBI hits by Erik and Brad Boyd, and another by Jarman.
Erik Boyd drove in another run in the fifth, before the Seahawks closed out the game with a four-run rally in the sixth.
Erik Boyd went 3-5 with a double and two RBIs, while Jennings was 2-4 with three RBIs to lead the Seahawks.
Brad Boyd and Jarman also had two hits a piece.
Lewis was pleased to see his team drive in runs when the opportunity was there.
The Seahawks will be playing ball again today when they travel to Bear Grass.
Pamlico 000 101 X — 2 3 3
Southside 022 314 x — 12 14 1
WP: Erik Boyd; LP: Eric Hardison
Hitters: P — Cody Molosky 1-2 2 R, Caleb Henthorn 1-2 (RBI), Michah Caroom 1-2; S — Erik Boyd 3-5 (2 RBI, 2B), Brad Boyd 203 (RBI, 2 R), Sam Jarman 2-2 (RBI, R), Kevin Sparks 1-3 (RBI, 2 R), Alerie Elks (2-4 (2 R), Ryan McLawhorn 1-3 (2 RBI), Daniel Jennings 2-4 (3 RBI, 2 R), Willie Ruffin 1-4 (R).