By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Gator Moore was able to walk away from Futrell Field with a smile and a happy memory. His Washington Pam Pack fell 16-4 to the D.H. Conley Vikings on Senior Night, but Moore crushed his second homer of the year in Friday night’s loss.
“That felt great to get this on Senior Night in my last game here,” Moore said. “I was kind of surprised that I hit it that well.”
The home run by Moore (1-2, HR, RBI, 2 runs) helped trim Washington’s deficit to 4-3, but the Pack wasn’t able to get any closer.
The Vikings (12-10, 8-4) scored 10 times in the third and fourth innings to take control over the Pam Pack (6-13, 2-10).
First-year coach Travis Rogerson was hoping for a better night for his seniors.
The senior class is comprised of Gator Moore, Weasel Moore, Michael Robinson, Michael Goldberg, Cole Hartley, Dave Cutler, Jamie Landen, Jimmy Hardison and Chris Simmons.
“I wish they could have gone out at home on a better note,” Rogerson said. “They’ve been trying and we’ve been working hard. It just wasn’t our night tonight.
“Like I told them in the huddle, I hope they’ve enjoyed their time here and that they look at the big picture and enjoyed their time playing baseball.”
The Pack jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a triple off the bat of Weasel Moore, who also made a sensational catch in center field.
The Vikings took advantage of three hits and two Pam Pack errors in the top of the third to take a 4-2 lead.
Gator Moore made it a one-run game in the bottom half, driving the ball well over the center field fence.
Conley tacked on six more runs in the fourth, benefiting from three hits and four walks.
The Vikings added single runs in the fifth and sixth innings for a 12-3 advantage.
Hatteras Brooks smacked an RBI single in the bottom of the sixth for Washington’s final run.
Conley added four insurance runs, thanks to six hits, in the seventh.
The Vikings finished with 14 hits, as 11 different players collected at least one hit. Morgan Harrell had two hits and drove in three.
Hartley and Jake Duke had one hit apiece for Washington.
Gator Moore would have preferred a win over a home run, but he is taking some special memories away with him.
“I’ve built some great friendships with a lot of players,” Moore said. “It was great to play here.”
Washington wraps up regular season play with games at South Central on Tuesday and at West Carteret on Thursday.
“We’re just going to have fun,” Rogerson said. “I want to send these guys out on a good note, having a good time and enjoying each other.”
SOFTBALL FALLS
The Washington softball team suffered an 8-0 loss to D.H. Conley on Friday night.
It snapped a four-game winning streak by the Pam Pack.
Washington (6-9, 5-5) returns to action Tuesday at South Central.