FROM STAFF REPORTS

Evangel Christian ran its record to 20-2 with doubleheader sweeps over Ezekiel Academy of Montgomery and Tuscaloosa Home Educators on March 23 and 24.

The Lightning avenged a loss against Ezekiel in their previous game in the North River Invitational Tournament, winning 10-2 in the first game of the doubleheader on March 23.  Ben Albright (3-0) went the distance on the mound for Evangel, scattering four hits, while striking out seven.  Peter Lau went 3-for-4 with three RBI for the Lightning, and Tyler Byrd, Stephen Cullen and Nate Scott each added two hits.

In the nightcap against the Knights, Evangel came back from a 10-4 deficit in the last two innings, taking advantage of several Ezekiel errors to win 15-11.  Matthew Morse picked up the win in relief, the first of his career.

Against ACSC conference foe T.H.E. in Northport on March 25, Josh Letson (5-1) outdueled Warriors’ pitcher Bo Hansford in the 2-0 Lightning win in the first game that saw both teams combine for only three hits.  Letson allowed only a third-inning single in pitching his third one-hitter of the season.  He struck out ten and walked one, and also drove in the game-winning run in the fifth inning.  Hahn Hahn Lau had a double and Peter Lau an RBI-single for the only Evangel hits.

In the second game, Evangel scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie and win 7-4.  Jacob Albright (3-0) pitched his first complete game of the season, striking out nine and allowing only five hits.  Rafi Caballeros had two hits and scored two runs, and Clay O’Neal drove in two runs for the Lightning.

The Lightning move on to square off with Ezekiel Academy again on April 7. This time, the Lightning will hit the road, traveling to Dixie Chisholm Field in Montgomery to take on the Knights.

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.