BASEBALL
Dunston delivers for the Falcons
Photos and Story
By Mike Maddock
Mike@TheColumbiaStar.com

Ben Lippen's Greg Dunston pitched all eight innings for the Falcons striking out nine Hammond batters and allowing only two runs. He struck out the side in the top of the eighth.

The Ben Lippen Falcons celebrated their 3- 2 eight inning win against the visiting Hammond Skyhawks Tuesday, April 10 by running sprints in right field.

When asked about the sprints, Ben Lippen head coach Brent Walsh said, "We're working. Whether we're winning, whether we're playing great, we can always get better. Whether we're successful or we're struggling a little bit, it's all temporary, and we're always trying to get better...just continually trying to get better. Working, working, working. Never satisfied."

Ben Lippen pitcher, Greg Dunston, seems to have bought into this philosophy. The lone Falcon starting senior scattered seven hits, allowed only two runs, and struck out nine Hammond hitters. Three of those strike- outs came during the Skyhawks' final at bat in the top of the eighth inning. Dunston threw eight pitches to Raymond Prince before striking him out, then struck out Punky DaSilva and Mac Felmly with just six total pitches.

Hammond's Emmett Richardson pitched five strike- outs and gave up only two runs.

Walsh said, "Greg's been our leader. He gets fired up and just digs deep. He was stronger in the eighth than he was in the first. It was all on guts. He's just a fighter."

Dunston's effort overshadowed a fine performance from Hammond pitcher Emmett Richardson. Richardson gave up one run in the first inning then did not allow another run until the bottom of the sixth. The lefty stifled Ben Lippen hitters with a mixture of curve balls and off- speed pitches striking out five. Hammond coach Ray Derrick pulled him in the seventh inning for Alston James.

The Falcons opened the scoring in the bottom half of the first inning when Rick Davis's single to right field scored Kyle Williamson from second base.The Falcons then stranded five base runners until the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Skyhawks threatened in the second inning but did not score until the top of the fourth inning. Chris Daniels led off the inning with an infield hit. Kyle George's single to right field advanced Daniels to third, then Ramond Prince's single to right field scored Daniels.

Ben Lippen second baseman John Montgomery grabs a bouncing ground ball. Montgomery snagged a grounder with the bases loaded and tagged second base to end the seventh inning and the Skyhawks' best chance to take the lead.

The Skyhawks scored again in the fifth when Daniels' single to left field scored Alston James from second base.

The Falcons tied the game in the sixth inning without a hit. Rick Davis drew a walk, stole second base, advanced to third on a fielder's choice, then scored when a wild pitch got away from Hammond catcher James Wade.

The Skyhawks loaded the bases in the top of the seventh but stranded all three runners when Ben Lippen second baseman John Montgomery snagged a ground ball hit by Kyle George then stepped on second base to end the inning.

After Dunston struck out the side for Ben Lippen in the eighth, the Falcons went to work in the bottom of the inning. With two outs, a 1- 1 count, and the bases loaded, Patrick Reilly knocked a ground ball that bounced high and sailed just over the outstretched glove of Alston James an the pitcher's mound. Shortstop Kyle George picked up the grounder, but his throw to first was not in time. Pete Tapp advanced from third giving the Falcons the one- run win and sole possession of first place in Region 2- 3A.

The Skyhawks fall to 4- 2 in the region and will look to bounce back when they travel to Heathwood Hall Friday, April 13. The Falcons improve to 4- 1 in the region and will try to maintain their lead at second place Augusta Christian Friday night.