From staff reports

SALISBURY — Charlie Klingler’s two-run triple down the right-field line in the second inning was the key blow as Rowan County won again in NC3 baseball on Thursday.

Rowan handled Greensboro, 6-2 at Newman Park in front of 25 fans and improved to 8-1.

Zeb Burns, the No. 9 batter, had three of Rowan’s eight hits.

After a scoreless first inning, Rowan got singles from Casey Gouge and Burns to set the table for Klingler, who came through with his clutch, two-out hit.

Justin Brady hit a solo homer for Greensboro in the second, and Greensboro added another run in the top of the fourth to get within 3-2.

Rowan ran the bases aggressively in the bottom of the fourth and made it 4-2 on a double steal, plus a throwing error.

There was no scoring in the fifth, sixth or seventh innings.

Rowan finally stretched its lead to 6-2 in the eighth when Burns singled home a run and another run scored on a groundout by Wayne Mize.

On the mound, Rowan got some good work from starter Mattox Henderson, but the story was the bullpen.

Four Rowan relievers pitched no-hit ball. Andrew Kennerly, the winner, came on in the fourth, and pitched into the sixth. Scout Nichols, Bryson Wagner and Mize took turns mowing down Greensboro hitters the rest of the way.

Mize closed the game, striking out the side in the ninth.

Lefty Nathan Terry pitched six innings for Greensboro (1-3).

Jonathan Todd doubled and scored for the Red Wings in the fourth inning.

Rowan is home Saturday for a doubleheader against Randolph County, with the first game being league action.

•••

In Junior NC3 baseball, East Rowan cruised 15-0 against Mocksville.

East had 10 hits and drew nine walks.

McCall Henderson had a double and a triple. Cobb Hightower had two hits and reached base four times. Braden Shive had two hits.

Tristan Miller pitched four innings and got the win.

 

Local golf

In the  North & South Amateur Golf Championship in Pinehurst, 12th-seeded Nick Lyerly won his first round of match play on Thursday and advanced to the Round of 32.