In addition to knocking out 11 hits and getting an efficient performance on the mound from Jeremy Evans, the undefeated Diamond (7-0) got some valuable work in for players that are not normally in the starting line-up.
Evans needed only 77 pitches to complete a three-hitter that included seven strikeouts. The slender left-hander hit one batter, did not walk a man, and allowed a runner to get as far as second base in only one inning. He was supported offensively by two hits apiece from Trace Allard and John Luebke, and a two-run homer by Justin Richardson.
"Going into the tournament," said Chuck Perry, acting Diamond head coach in the absence of Jeff Hewitt, "we're going to need everybody -- we know that. We've got five games left to get everybody some work."
After Evans set the visitors down in order in the top of the first inning, the Diamond got all of the runs it needed in the bottom half.
The rally was set up by two-out walks to Richardson and Allard. Two runs scored when Luc Ouellette ripped a single to left that was misplayed with the ball rolling all the way to the fence. Luebke then made it 3-0 with another single to left.
In the bottom of the second, an infield hit by Zack Pickard, a long single to right center by Taylor MacDonald and Richardson's two-run blast over the fence in left-center produced three more runs. Pickard, Luebke and Lawson Thomas had run-scoring hits, and Joey Grady had a double as the home team scored once in each of the next three frames.
Spring Lake, now 1-13, scored its run in the fifth when a pick-off throw by Evans to second base ended up in centerfield.
Evans, who went six innings in a win over Terry Sanford three weeks ago, coasted along with good support from his defense. He enjoyed good control of his fastball, curve and change-up. In the fourth inning, he struck out the side.
"I've gotten a lot of work in," Evans said afterward, "and I felt a lot better in this game. My change-up was my best pitch tonight, definitely. And I felt I was throwing the ball harder than during the school season. When the defense plays like it did, it makes me feel unbeatable."
Perry has been in charge while Hewitt is helping coach the senior East team in the high school State Games. He liked the discipline his hitters showed, laying off the high pitches, and he also appreciated the mound performance by Evans.
"He kept the ball in the zone," Perry said. "The umpire liked him. It was a good deal."
Post 72 has five regular season games left in its pursuit of the first seed and home field advantage for the American Legion playoffs, beginning early next month. The Diamond is scheduled to play at Jack Britt this afternoon at 3 p.m.
