By Staff
Hawks fall to Lawrence Co. at Rickwood
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
Editor's note: Due to an early editorial deadline, Danville's Tuesday game against Corner will not be published.
BIRMINGHAM – Bryan Johnson had a day he will likely try to forget.
Johnson, who started for the Danville Hawks Monday against Lawrence County, received credit for one inning pitched and gave up eight runs.
Lawrence County went on to win the opening game of the Ramsey High Spring Break Tournament at Rickwood Field in Birmingham 13-1.
Johnson, however, was only responsible for two earned runs, as his infield struggled in the famous minor league park.
The Red Devils jumped out ahead 2-0 in the first inning, but both runs were unearned. Chase Reeves scored on an error, while Dusty Hill crossed the plate on a wild pitch.
Danville made the score 2-1 in the second, though, as Matt Lindsey scored. Nate Orr's double into center field score Lindsey from second.
Then, the nightmare began.
Lawrence County scored six runs in the bottom of the second – six unearned – and took an 8-1 lead.
Jessie Burden scored on an errant throw from second for the Red Devils' first run of the inning, while Ross Nelson's double sent Cain Fleming home.
Nelson later scored on Reeves' double.
Danville trailed 5-1 when another errant throw, this time in a run down, allowed two more runs.
That play prompted head coach Jay Stanley to make a pitching change.
Runners stood on second and third base with no outs when Sam Roy entered to pitch. He allowed just one more run in the inning.
After the Hawks went three up and three down in the top half of the third, four more Red Devils crossed the plate for a 12-1 lead.
Lawrence County's Joseph Peebles hit a solo shot over the left field fence, and Dustin South followed three batters later with a three-run homer.
The Red Devils added a run in the fourth to make what would be the final, 13-1.
Peebles earned the win from the mound, pitching the complete game. He gave up one run on two hits.
Johnson suffered the loss, while Roy and Cory Weaver also saw time on the mound.
Roy pitched two innings, gave up five runs on two hits and walked a batter.
Weaver entered the contest in the fourth to register one full inning of work.
He gave up one run on three hits and struck out a batter.