ATLANTA — Senior left-hander Sam Carpenter delivered yet another gem on Tuesday night, dominating Oglethorpe as Piedmont rolled to a 15-1 road victory.
With his 10 strikeouts, the former Gainesville High standout now has 271 for his career, a new career program record.
Overall, Carpenter went seven innings, allowing just one run (unearned) while striking out 10 against just one walk. It turned out to be more than enough as PC's offense roared to life with a six-run fifth, three-run sixth and four-run seventh to pull away.
The Lions lead was only 2-0 heading to the fifth, where they exploded for six runs and five hits. With the bases loaded after a hit by pitch and two singles, Carter Ballstadt T launched his first career home run to left field to break the game open.
Piedmont was not done playing long ball in the frame, however, as Scott Lyon went the opposite way for a two-run shot to cap the six-run onslaught.
The sixth inning brought more traffic on the bases as Ethan Darrow drove home a pair with a double as part of a four-run inning.
With the game already well in hand, Ballstadt also went the other way to drive home a run before Connor Jelley capped the scoring with his second and third RBI of the night on a two-run single.
After Carpenter exited following his seven outstanding innings, relievers Ryan Cox (3 k's) and Tyler Roon (2 k's) were dominant in closing out the victory, not allowing a hit in two flawless frames.
Up next, the Lions will look to win their third in a row as they await Adrian for a three-game series starting this Sunday, Feb. 28. First pitch from Loudermilk Field is scheduled for 2 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
- Ballstadt's first career home run was a grand slam in the fifth inning that gave the Lions a 6-0 lead.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- It was business as usual for Carpenter, going seven strong innings, allowing just five hits and one unearned run with 10 strikeouts.
- Ballstadt delivered a career night at the dish, going 3-for-6 with five RBI and three runs scored.
- Second baseman Jack Bartlewski went 3-for-6 with a pair of runs scored.
IN THE RECORD BOOKS:
- Carpenter needed 10 strikeouts to break the career program record and he got exactly that, passing the previous record of 270 held by Spencer Shelton.
