No. 2 Gaston College extends winning streak to 12 games

Gaston College's strategy going into Tuesday's home game against Rockingham Community College was simple: Put pressure early on the Eagles' depth-shy midweek pitching.

The No. 2 ranked Rhinos (21-2) followed through with that game plan in near flawless fashion, putting runs on the board through the first four innings before ending the game early on the 10-run mercy rule in the bottom of the sixth. The victory was Gaston College's 12th straight.

Outfielder Justin Smith went 4-for-4 with three RBIs, one run scored and three stolen bases to lead a 13-hit attack in the 12-2 win at Sims Legion Park.

"We knew if we came in and put some pressure on them, their midweek pitching was probably not where they needed it to be," Rhinos coach Shohn Doty said. "We did a good job of scoring. We are doing a lot better with runners in scoring position and less than two outs. Overall, it was a great day."

From a pitching perspective, Doty doled out work to four different hurlers, with starter Shane Thurson (3-0) getting the win. Austin Renn, Landon Carr and Jason Johnson logged an inning apiece, and the staff combined on a five-hitter with six strikeouts and one walk.

"Renn and Johnson both showed good velocity and had fairly good command," Doty said.

Behind Smith's perfect day, Ben Karpowicz hit a pair of doubles and drove in a run, Caleb Estes went 2-for-4 with an RBI, and Andrew Muraco drove in two runs on sacrifice flies.

Wednesday's home game against Louisburg College has been canceled due to the threat of inclement weather. In a scheduling change, the Rhinos will travel to CVCC next Tuesday to take on the Red Hawks. It will be their first action of the season on a dirt field.

Next up is Gaston College's Region 10 Division I opener Saturday at home against USC-Sumter in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

"This will be a big test for us," Doty said. "They always have a good program. We need to get off to a good start in Region play. We couldn't be more excited about being ranked where we are, but the meat and potatoes start Saturday."