Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
SPRING HILL — It was the first of a couple grudge matches between Hernando and Springstead on the schedule this season, and the Leopards were led by a former Eagle on Tuesday night.
Brett Maggard, a senior transfer from Springstead, tossed a one-hit shutout over five innings to lead Hernando to the 11-0 victory on the road.
The Leopards (4-0) were without Christian Arroyo, another transfer from Springstead (2-2), who injured his hip in the last game and will be out for about a week according to the coaching staff. Pride, however, was on the table for both clubs as they took to the diamond.
"These boys are friends," Hernando coach Tim Sims said. "I told (Hernando's) Ian (Townsend) and (Springstead's) Julian (Perez) that it's fun to watch you guys."
Hernando was able to notch a score off Springstead starter J.R. Wright (41/3 innings, six earned runs, six strikeouts, three walks) in each of the first three innings.
"J.R. is tough," Sims said. "Our guys finally did a good job discipline wise."
Meanwhile, Maggard was nearly flawless as he got staked to the lead. The only hit he gave up was to Brandon Brosher.
Maggard pitched the entire contest, striking out seven. He also reached base three of the four times he was up to bat, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. He also reached on an error.
He was joined by Brandon Gemmiti as the batting heroes. The second baseman's triple in the top of the fifth put the 10-run rule into effect, all but closing the door on Springstead's hopes for victory.