Josh Parker pitched South’s third straight complete game in the JCEI.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
South Johnston got its third complete game pitching performance in the Johnston County Easter Invitational in topping Clayton 7-1 on Tuesday night at Bruce Coats Field for the championship.
Josh Parker went the distance in the final.
Aubrey Pollard went the route in the tournament opener against Triton and Justin Hamilton tossed the full seven innings in the semifinals against Bunn.
South (11-8) has roared back from a 2-8 start with nine straight wins.
“The guys kept believing in themselves,” said Trojans coach Aaron Parnell. “They didn’t look back and they didn’t look down. The pitchers have thrown some really good games. David Honeycutt has had some big games hitting.”
Honeycutt was the JCEI Most Valuable Player with a .586 batting average.
The three pitchers, catcher Josh Schindler and second baseman Ethan Weaver made all-tournament from South.
Triton was represented by Parker Crews.
Clayton scored first on Tuesday night but the Trojans put up five runs in the bottom of the second. Blake McCauley drove in a pair of runs with a hit up the middle and Jacob Norris followed with a two-run knock. An infield single by Clayton Blackmon brought in the final run of the decisive frame.
The Trojans host Cleveland on Tuesday.
South Johnston, winners of the 2019 Johnston County Easter Invitational.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
South catcher Josh Schindler keeps a baserunner in check.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Blake McCauley drives in two runs in the second inning for South.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Cole Winborne scores the tying run for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Ben Stafford comes in with the go-ahead run for SJ.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Second baseman Ethan Weaver makes a throw to first.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Aubrey Pollard adds to the lead for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
Ben Stafford’s sacrifice fly produced South’s seventh run.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
The South dogpile is about to get an addition from above.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)
