James Island edges Laurens, 5-4, in game 1 of AAAA series

James Island - James Island junior third baseman Jake Amman blasted two homers to lead the Trojans to a 5-4 win over Laurens in game one of the Class AAAA state championship series.

The best-of-three format moves to Laurens for game two on Wednesday.

Amman’s first homer, a two-run shot to left, came in the first inning and put the Trojans up by 3-2. After Laurens tied the game at three, Amman hit another two-run bomb, this one to right center, to give James Island a 5-3 lead.

“We showed some nerves early on, which is expected with the atmosphere we had tonight,” James Island coach Matt Spivey said. “We settled down and played well after the first inning. We got the jitters out and played the way we are capable of playing. Jake’s homeruns were big hits and Collin pitched really well.”

Laurens scored a pair of runs in the top of the first inning, using two errors to their benefit early.

“First pitch fastball in and I just attacked it,” Amman said of his first inning homerun. “It felt good to be able to contribute and I think it helped all of us just calm down and play.”

Junior left-hander Collin Anderson went six innings to get the win on the mound. Anderson allowed just three hits and one earned run and did not allow a hit after the second inning.

“I knew my guys would back me up and score some runs,” Anderson said. “I just focused on competing and doing my job.”

Laurens made things interesting in the top of the seventh, loading the bases after scoring a run on a wild pitch. With the score 5-4, the game ended on a ground ball fielder’s choice at second.

“It’s good to get the first one, especially at home,” Spivey said. “The pressure is on those guys (Laurens) now. I think we’re settled in mentally. I think we will be ready on Wednesday.”