Lamb puts end to Gators' losing streak

The VPCC baseball team (3-7 overall) got off to a slow start last week but finished strong thanks to an outstanding pitching performance by freshman right-hander Conner Lamb (Bethel High School).

After the Gators lost the first two games of a three-game series, including the opener of a doubleheader, Lamb helped the Gators snap a five-game losing streak. He pitched the first six innings and gave up seven hits and two runs in a 7-2 victory over Monroe University on Saturday, Feb. 21, at War Memorial Stadium.

Coach Shane Harrison said Lamb pitched his heart out for his first college win.

"Lamb went to work attacking the zone, commanding his spots and keeping Monroe hitters off balance all game long," he said. "He faced 30 batters, struck out six, and issued just two walks — a testament to his control and poise on the mound. His only blemish was a single earned run, as he consistently worked ahead in counts and trusted his stuff."

Landon Morris (Gloucester High School) gave up one hit in one inning of relief.

The Gators scored five runs in the third and two more in the fifth. Andy Lemaster (Saint Augustine, Fla.) had two hits and two RBIs, and Joshua Flicek (Bethel) and Ryan Bevins (Celina, Texas) also drove in two runs. Lamb pitched the first six innings and gave up seven hits and two runs.

In the opener of the doubleheader, the Mustangs won 5-3. The Gators gave up two runs in the eighth to suffer the loss. Hayden Felker (Manchester High School) pitched the final 6 1/3 innings and gave up four hits and two earned runs. Cole Draper (York High School) led the offense with a pair of hits and two stolen bases.

The three-game series began the previous night, with the Mustangs overcoming an early deficit to win 17-7. The Gators led 3-1 after four innings but gave up 16 runs in the final five for the loss. Jake Wells (Isle of Wight Academy) had a solid start on the mound, going five innings and giving up three hits and four runs. Offensively, Draper had two hits, drove in three runs and stole two bases. Hayden Koontz (Hermitage) scored three times.

The week began with a 17-4 loss at Bryant & Stratton on Feb. 18. Aiden Cox (Grassfield High School) had two hits, including a two-run home run, and Bevins added a two-run homer. The Bobcats scored all their runs in the first three innings before William Nena (Spring Lake, N.C.), Coles Williams (Hermitage High School) and Lamb held them scoreless the final 3 1/3 innings. Nena threw 1 1/3 innings, and Williams and Lamb one each.

VPCC returns to action Feb. 25 with a nine-inning game at Bryant & Stratton at 3 p.m. The Gators are home again Feb. 28 for two games against Caldwell Community College starting at 1 p.m. at War Memorial.

For more information on VPCC, visit www.vpcc.edu.