Mocksville Post 54 had a two-game losing streak and it was missing the 3-4-5 batters in the order in Matt Vernon, Drew Weibley and Tanner Mathis.
Nope, things didn’t look good for Mocksville as it prepared to play Sunday at Shelby.
So what does Mocksville do? It picked up a win it sorely needed, winning 5-2 behind the stellar pitching of Nick Collins.
Mocksville never trailed and improved its record to 4-8.
“Man, we played the best game we’ve played all year,” coach Charles Kurfees said. “We played great defense. I was just hoping we wouldn’t go down there and embarrass ourselves, and we came away with a win.”
Mocksville jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first, and that was all Collins needed.
Collins had a tremendous day, pitching eight innings and contributing two hits. Jose Carrillo also had two hits. Ross Hoffner threw out a would-be base stealer.
With three key starters out, Kurfees called up Ryan Heath and Forrest Barber from the Junior Legion squad. They held their own, each playing nine innings. Heath played first base and Barber third.
“We called them up and they got the job done,” Kurfees said. “Barber made every play but one at third. He checked a runner twice and he beat it out by a step. If he checks him once, he throws him out.”
Playing at Keeter Stadium on the campus of Shelby High School was something to behold. Keeter Stadium has hosted the past three American …