Fairland walks past Gallipolis

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 19, 2008

PROCTORVILLE — Aerosmith sang it best, “Walk this way.”

Fairland took advantage of 13 walks — eight in an 8-run fifth inning — as the Dragons rolled past the Gallipolis Blue Devils 12-2 in five innings Friday.

While the Gallipolis pitchers struggled with their control, Fairland’s Nate Burcham pitched a five-hitter as he struck out eight and walked just one.

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“It was a pretty good ball game until the fifth. It just fell apart for them,” said Fairland coach Roger Snyder.

“Burcham threw a good game. Any time he doesn’t walk anybody he has a chance to win. When he throws strikes he can be tough.”

Fairland took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Zack Jordan walked, moved up on a passed ball and scored when Robbie Easterling grounded out.

The lead wento 3-0 in the second.

Adam Berry singled, Chad Fisher walked, and Jordan was hit by a pitch.

Berry scored on a fielder’s choice by Zack Matasich. Fisher scored when Matasich was caught in a rundown.

Gallipolis (5-5) cut the deficit to 3-2 in the third inning.

Kruize Wandling walked, stole second, and scored on a double by J.P. Finnicum. Cody Noble singled to drive in the second run.

Fairland got a run back in the bottom of the inning when Easterling and Tyler Thackston singled and Chris Ward put down a squeeze bunt.

The Dragons then erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning with the aid of the eight walks.

Easterling doubled to start the rally. Thackston, Tyler Godby and Ward all walked for a run.

Nate Burcham walked to force in a run, Berry singled for a run, and then Fisher, Jordan, Easterling all walked to drive in runs. A passed ball scored Fisher and Jordan came home when Thackston walked.

Fairland (8-1) plays at Wayne, W.Va., Monday.

Gallipolis00200=251

Fairland12108=1251

Kruize Wandling, Austin Roush (5) and Terry Smith. Nate Burcham and Tyler Godby. W-Burcham (8-K, 1-BB). L-Wardling. 2B-Gallipolis: Finnicum; Fairland: Robbie Easterling. Hitting-Gallipolis: Cody Noble 3-3 (rbi), J.P. Finnicum 1-2, Terry Smith 1-2; Fairland: Robbie Easterling 2-3 (2 rbi),, Tyler Thackston 1-1, Adam Berry 2-3 (2 rbi).