Hanahan Takes Game One Of AAA State Baseball Series Over Powdersville 9-5
By Billy G. Baker
Publisher
Hanahan — One year after being swept in the AAA state baseball championship series against Clinton, Hanahan (30-3) knew it would be important to win game one of the championship series against Powdersville at home on May, 20 and the Hawks defeated the visitors 9-5.
Game two now shifts to “home fan” friendly Powdersville on Wednesday, where the Hawks hope to have a sweep of their own after a hard-fought 5-4 loss in game two last season against Clinton.
“The first game is very important and we know this from our experience last year,” said Hanahan High head coach Skylar Hunter who played on two Hanahan teams who lost state championship games after losing game one games. “Winning game one is massive. We know first hand about having our backs against the wall with Clinton last year after losing game one.
“Now their backs are against the wall,” said Coach Hunter. “With the amount of pressure, we put on teams on the base paths, and in the batter’s box, I like our chances of plating well again in game two. However, Powdersville is a very good team and they will respond. They will be ready for us at home on Wednesday and we expect an electric atmosphere.”
Hanahan pounded out 10 hits, scored 9 runs, and only committed one error in the win on Monday. The Hawks were led at the plate by RF Landon Gomes, who went 3-for-4 at the plate along with second baseman Jacob Bunting who went 2-of-4 with two RBI’s. catcher Hudson Sprovero had a hit and three RBI’s and left-fielder Joe Furse was 2-of-4 with an RBI.
“We had a lot of quality at-bats tonight starting with sophomore catcher Hudson Sprovero who had two Sac fly’s and drove in a couple runs with a double during the game,” said Coach Hunter. “Landon Gomes had two doubles in the game, and Joe Furse hit a ball off the wall early in the game to score a run. It was just a bunch of guys putting the barrel on the ball today.”
Highly regraded Hanahan sophomore center fielder Sterling Coaxum, a lead-off batter, had a hit and covered a lot of ground in the outfield with his 6.4 speed. Coaxum is a Clemson commitment who earned the Coaches Association AAA Player of the Year honors this season. He came into the first game batting .468 with 10 home runs and 30 stolen bases to his credit. He is considered by many to be the top sophomore player in South Carolina.
“I will be honest with you, he might not ever play for Clemson because he could be a high draft choice if he keeps playing like he has for us the past two seasons,” said Coach Hunter. “He’s a special player for sure.”
Coach Hunter said the message to his players stays the same. “We want our players to stay relaxed and stay composed with focus,” said Coach Hunter. “We know Powdersville will be ready to give us all they have on Wednesday.”
Gabe Dotterweich was the starting pitcher for the Hawks working five innings, giving up six hits, and three earned runs. Porter Sprovero relieved Dotterweich in the top of the 6th and he worked 1.2 innings allowing no hits and two runs. Riley Ballard came in with two outs in the top of the 7th and forced a pop up for the game ending out.
Powdersville scored five runs on six hits and they made two errors. First baseman Braden Williams led the Patriots hit going 3-of-3 with two RBI’s including a third inning home run. Starting pitcher Landon Fowler smashed a home run in three at bats. Center fielder Cotes Reid had a hit and also scored a run. Designated hitter Eli Hudgins also had a hit for the Patriots.
After the game Powdersville head coach Wade Padgett, told the HSSR, “We knew they hit the ball well, and you do not win 29 to 30 games if you do not hit well,” said Coach Padgett. “Give them credit they got the hits when they needed them and they came up with some good plays on defense so give them credit for playing well against us.
“We didn’t get the result we were looking for in coming down here,” said Coach Padgett. “In that last inning I was proud of how our kids fought for every out and that has been our ammo all season. We are looking forward to getting our chances at home on Wednesday. We will get back to work tomorrow, fix a few things, and hopefully be ready to go on Wednesday.
“We have a great community and we expect a huge home crowd behind us on Wednesday,” said Coach Padgett. “At this point we hope the series goes to a third game. If it does, we would play at a neutral site this Saturday but we have to win on Wednesday to have a third game opportunity. We have some work to do before Wednesday.”
Powdersville is expected to start veteran Blane Jordan on Wednesday. Hanahan will start Riley Ballard who pitched to one batter on Monday.
Photos Courtesy of Cyril Samonte
