The result for the Pirates was a come-from-behind win in extra innings to win their fourth Southeastern Conference game in a row with a 7-6 win in eight innings over Scotland at home.
“That showed a lot of character,” McLamb said of his team coming from a 6-2 hole after 3 1/2 innings. “They didn’t come back to the dugout and pout like they might have at the beginning of the season. They came back with a positive attitude and the guys came through with big hits. They’re starting to have fun and are starting to believe in themselves.”
Right after Scotland (12-4, 3-4 SEC) took the 6-2 in the top of the fourth inning, the Pirates (6-9, 4-3 SEC) took three runs back in the bottom half of the inning. Dylan Bruce hit in the first run with an RBI double before Parks Ledwell reached on an infield single to score one run and another run came on a throwing error to make it 6-5.
With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Tyler Jacobs hit in the tying run with an RBI single.
Two innings later, the Pirates were in prime position to take the game in walk-off fashion with the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the seventh. But the Scots defense and pitcher Justin Bowers thought otherwise as it forced extras with a strikeout, a force out at home and a force out at second base to get out of the jam.
Lumberton loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning and the game-winning run scored when Caleb Wilkerson was hit by a pitch.
A.J. Brooks was the winning pitcher after coming in relief for the final three innings. For the Pirates’ bats, Kris Allen went 4-for-4 with an RBI, Ledwell went 3-for-5 and Wilkerson went 2-for-4 with a double.
“Pitching has finally came through and is throwing strikes,” McLamb said. “We are just playing better baseball during these last four games.”
The Pirates and Scots finish up the two-game series in Laurinburg on Thursday.
Thorndyke’s gem leads Fairmont past Mustangs
FAIRMONT — The Fairmont baseball team won its fifth game in a row with a 10-0 win in five innings at home over South Robeson.
Seth Thorndyke threw a two-hitter and struck out five to pick up the win on the mound. Randy Floyd, Mason Locklear and Hunter Locklear each had two hits in the win.
Rams roll in five past Hoke County
PEMBROKE — The Purnell Swett baseball team earned an 11-0 win in five innings against Hoke County to keep pace with Pinecrest on top of the Southeastern Conference standings.
The Rams (10-6, 5-2 SEC) rode the arm of Ethan Chavis, who threw a complete game and allowed four hits, one walk and struck out eight batters.
At the plate, Bladen Strickland had two hits and three RBIs. Chay Locklear and Chandler Brayboy each had a hit and an RBI.
Big fifth inning keys Lumberton win over Lady Scots
LUMBERTON — Lindsay Bridgeman, the No. 9 batter for the Lumberton softball team, homered to lead off a big offensive fifth inning as the Lady Pirates picked up a 6-2 win at home over Scotland.
Bridgeman’s home run started a three-run inning that pushed the Lumberton (11-4, 5-2 SEC) lead out to 5-1. She went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the game, while teammate Madison Canady went 2-for-3 with a two RBIs and a double. Morgan Britt struck out 13 batters in the win.
South Robeson shuts down Fairmont softball
FAIRMONT — The South Robeson softball team defeated Fairmont 15-5 in six innings on the road.
Despite being out-hit, the Lady Mustangs picked up the win taking advantage of eight errors committed by Fairmont.
South Robeson’s Halei Chavis had a hit and an RBI, Dayla Atkinson had a double and an RBI and Destiny Purdie had a hit and an RBI. Harmony Oxendine picked up the win and struck out seven batters.
At the plate for Fairmont, Mackenzie Johnson had a pair of hits, Constance Oxendine went 2-for-4 and Grace McMillian and Kaitlyn Hunt each had two RBIs. McMillian struck out eight batters in the circle.
Lumberton claims SEC match at Hoke County
RAEFORD — The Lumberton girls soccer team defeated Hoke County 3-1 on the road.
Madison Sirmans scored two goals, Harley Wilkerson added the other goal and had an assist on Sirmans’ first goal and Brooke Taylor added an assist for the Lady Pirates.
Hoke County softball routs Lady Rams
PEMBROKE — The Hoke County softball team scored nine runs in the fourth inning en route to claiming a 14-5 win against Purnell Swett.
Kaitlyn Hunt had a pair of doubles and three RBIs for the Lady Rams. JaiLeana Deese also added three hits and an RBI.
Alexis Blackwell had a triple and three RBIs for the Lady Bucks.
