On the heels of a 6-4 defeat in extra innings Wednesday, Southold bounced back to win game three of the series, 6-3 on Thursday against Pierson at home.
Settlers head coach Mike Carver missed the game because of a surgery but expects to be back for their next game.
“This win was for Mike Carver,” acting head coach Kyle Lumpkin said. “The boys just came out and played their game.”
When the top three hitters in your lineup combine to hit 8-for-12, it’s going to be hard for any opponent to come out with a victory as Pierson (8-4 League XI) learned first hand.
Shayne Johnson, in the leadoff position, hit 3-for-4 including a 2-RBI double that just snuck inside fair play down the left field line in the second inning. The double put Southold (10-2 League XI) ahead 2-0.
“This was our 10th win,” Johnson said. “Ten wins means we’re in the playoffs so we really wanted this game.”
After producing just four wins last year, the Settlers look like an entirely different team this year. Though many players returned, it’s just a different feel to this season.
“We just came in ready to work from the first day,” Johnson said. “I think last year we were ready but we thought it would come easy for us and this year we realized nothing’s easy and we leave it on the field just like we should.”
Greg Gehring, the No. 3 hitter, hit 3-for-4 with three singles, one of which was for an RBI.
“The captains really brought us together this year,” Gehring said. “They kept us focused, getting us ready, getting us hitting in the offseason and pretty much getting us ready for an upside season. That was the goal and we came out and got it.”
Standing alone in first place and securing a spot in the playoffs is huge but there’s no time for complacency.
“We gotta just keep doing what we’re doing,” Gehring said. “Taking practice seriously, getting as many reps as possible and do it to the best of our ability until it’s all over.”
Freshman Luke Hansen made his first varsity start and earned the victory, throwing five innings and surrendering three runs.
“We’ve got a lot of seniors here with great leadership skills that are leading the way,” Lumpkin said. “It’s translated to a good season so far and I’m just hoping the guys can carry through.”
The Settlers even got production from the eight spot in the order. Basketball standout-turned-baseball-stud, Liam Walker hit 2-for-3 with an RBI triple and double.
Southold travels to Stony Brook on Monday.
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Courtney Blasl
