Ryan Sams got the better of Ryan Branscum in this matchup of old 48th District foes. Both pitchers went the whole way.

 

Sams - 6IP, 2H, 0BB, 2HBP

Branscum - 7IP, 4H, 1BB, 1HBP

 

North got all their runs across in the third inning, when Sams had an RBI 3B and Chris Maggard had an RBI 1B. An error and three wild pitches also hurt Branscum, who was razor-sharp otherwise. Sams did go 3-for-3 on the day.

 

Sams kept SW hitters off-balance all game, as the Warriors had a few hard-hit balls, but they were always right at someone. SW got their lone run in the top of the seventh thanks to a hit batsman and a throwing error on a sacrifice, but the Warriors couldn't string together enough hits to mount a rally.

 

Branscum has really turned into an outstanding pitcher all around, whereas in the past he was more of just a thrower, mixing up a fastball, change, curve and a knuckleball to keep hitters uncomfortable at the plate. His ability to locate all of these pitches makes him one of the best in the area and the state.

I talked with one of the NL parents and he said that Branscum was very solid and they were impressed. Sams had a great outing for the Jaguars and this is a big win for them. Combined the starting pitchers only gave up 6 hits, 1 BB and 3 HBP? That is some solid pitching on both sides. I thought the NL team would be pretty solid by midseason, but they are really playing great team ball with some solid defense very early as well as getting some solid pitching outings.

 

NL plays Clay County @ NL on Tuesday and I may have to go to this.

OOPS! Had my pitching line wrong. Sams pitched seven innings, Branscum six.

Very good effort both on the mound, and at the plate, by Senior Ryan Sams, as well as a good team effort defensively. NL has been playing some pretty good baseball of late. Good Luck tonight vs/ Clay County.