GREENWOOD – After rattling off key back-to-back region wins in the Upstate last week, the Richard Winn Academy baseball squad ran headlong into a one-man wrecking crew at Greenwood Christian Tuesday night. G.C.’s Noah Hinzman, destined for Erskine College on a baseball scholarship, mowed down 14 Eagles Tuesday as the Hawks edged out RWA 2-1.
Patrick Pope, who recorded eight strikeouts of his own, was saddled with the loss after giving up a bases-loaded 2RBI single in the fourth. Pope worked out of the jam with no further damage, but with Hinzman dealing fire from the hill, the Eagles could not break out.
RWA took a brief 1-0 lead in the third when Matt Taylor singled home Pope from third base, but Hinzman quickly dowsed the flames. Hinzman gave up seven hits in the win, while Pope surrendered only four hits, walking a pair.
On March 19, the Eagles took down Oakbrook Prep in Spartanburg 11-1, with Pope earning the win. Pope worked five innings, striking out nine, walking three and giving up one hit. Elijah Tucker and Hampton Caughman closed things out for Pope, going 1 1/3 and 2/3 innings, respectively. Austin Knox brought the big wood to Oakbrook, belting a pair of dingers – one a grand slam – for six RBIs on the night.
On March 20, the Eagles returned to the Upstate, knocking out Spartanburg Day School 5-0. Knox got the complete-game win, giving up three hits while striking out seven.
Richard Winn hosted Oakbrook Prep Thursday night in a region rematch and will travel to Great Falls Saturday for a 5:30 p.m. first pitch. Monday, the Eagles return home to host Spartanburg Christian at 6 p.m.