Explosion sinks HCA

By LARRY BUGG
Published May 11, 2005

BROOKSVILLE - Spencer Craig jacked two home runs in a 12-run inning leading Winter Haven All Saints' to a 16-2 win over host Hernando Christian.

Craig hit a three-run shot and a grand slam in the sixth inning and finished with eight runs batted in. Winning pitcher Ronnie Richardson hit a two-run shot as All Saints' (15-9) sent 15 batters to the plate.

The game ended after six innings under the 10-run rule. Zach Bowe was the starting and losing pitcher for Hernando Christian (13-12). The game was a pitching duel through the first five innings. The Lions scored when Tyler Peterson reached home on an error. Tim Whatley singled in the fifth and scored on a sacrifice fly by Robert Fleischer.

All Saints' beat Hernando Christian 22-0 earlier this season.

Whatley, whom his coach referred to as his "team leader," was 3-for-3 with a run scored.

"They had much better pitching this time," All Saints coach John Carpenter said. "They were very much in that game. They could have beaten us."

Lions coach Mike Ellison was impressed with his team's first five innings.

"We have been working on this game plan for three days," he said. "We had a good plan. He (Bowe) just ran out of steam. My guys came out here and fought these guys. Up until the sixth inning, we fought them well. I hate losing a game that is out of control."

[Last modified May 11, 2005, 00:47:09]