Local News - March 2003

East beats Rebels again

East lashes out 14 hits in win to stay undefeated

RITCH HALLMAN, LTN Correspondent

March 12, 2003 - DENVER — The East Lincoln Mustangs rode a strong offensive performance along with quality pitching to prevail over the Rebels 12-4 at East Lincoln Tuesday.

Michael Rue was on of the stars of the show, pitching six innings to get the win and scoring four times.

Meanwhile, teammate Matt McIntosh drove in 5 runs.

The Mustangs (3-0) cranked out 14 hits in the victory.

Head Coach Bruce Bolick was happy that his Mustangs were able to put up some good offensive numbers.

“West played us tough at the start. They have a young team. We hit the ball the best we have all year,” said Bolick.

West Lincoln struck first when Brent Gates doubled home Paul Finger and Dylan Anthony knocked in another on a fielder’s choice to put the Rebels ahead 2-0 after a half an inning of play.

The Mustangs responded in the bottom of the inning with two of their own when Matt McIntosh doubled home a pair of runs to tie the score.

The Mustangs blew the game open in the fifth inning, scoring five runs on Rebels’ reliever Jonathan Thomas.

While things were going great for East, it just wasn’t West’s day. The Rebels had only five hits on the day.

A big reason for the offensive woes for the Rebels was Rue, who allowed just four hits and three runs while striking out eight in his six innings on the mound.

Rue struck out the side in the 3rd inning and retired the final six batters he faced.

“I struggled early, but the defense picked me up,” Rue said. “It usually take me about three innings to get going. I threw a lot of pitches early in the game but as the game got later I started to fell better.

Rue had problems early when he faced West in the season opener. But he settled down as his team rallied back to win.

“Rue is probably the best pitcher we will see all year,” West Lincoln coach Allan Chapman said. “He mixes his pitches well. Their top five hitters are really good. We have to settle down and get better and quit making mistakes.”

Brandon Jones started the game and got the loss. Jones pitched 2 2/3 innings giving up  six hits and five runs.

Despite the loss, Rebels shortstop Paul Finger, who had has two RBIs to lead his team, said his team could have did better

“I went 2-for-4 today but I felt we should have won the game,” said Finger.

West will play again Friday at Cherryville. East will travel to Garringer today and at Lincolnton Friday.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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