Rams sweep Vikings in home doubleheader

Outstanding pitching and clutch defense helped the Winston-Salem State baseball team (20-11, 14-2 Conference), take a two-game sweep against the Elizabeth City State Vikings (11-16, 4-9 Conference)  March 27, in Elizabeth City, N.C.

The Rams won the first game 2-0.

The Rams got great pitching from freshman Scott Wells and sophomore Tyler Hickernell.

"Pitching was exceptional. Scott Wells threw 68 pitches while only throwing 13 pitches outside the strike zone," head coach Kevin Ritsche said.

"We played good defense, giving up just one earned run against ECSU."

In game one, the Rams and Vikings were in a defensive struggle. The two teams totaled just seven hits overall. The Rams had four hits to the Vikings three.

 Juniors Michael Robbins and Dominique Fitzgerald had an RBI each. While Wells and sophomore shortstop German Reyes scored the Rams only two runs.

"We had timely hits when we needed them and guys stepped up and made plays when the team needed it," Robbins said.

In the second game, the Rams gave up a run in the first inning, trailing 1-0. The Rams then tied the game in the fourth inning, when Brice Rivenbark drove in Andrew Smith.

The Rams captured the win in the seventh inning, when Fitzgerald hit an RBI to bring home junior Michael Robbins taking the lead  2-1. Both teams combined for 10 hits, six by the Rams to the Vikings four.

Hickernell took the win in the first game, pitching seven innings, allowing three hits and striking out seven batters. Wells captured his third win in the second game for the Rams. Pitching six innings, Wells gave up just one earned run, while freshman John Markley secured the win with his first save of the season.

The Rams are 15-0 when they score six runs or more. Defense has been the key for the Rams this season, averaging a phenomenal 2.8 era.

According to Ritsche, pitching is the team's best weapon when facing tough opponents. The Rams have great depth in their pitching rotation.

The Rams are looking to get a NCAA tournament bid by winning the CIAA.

"We have what it takes to win the CIAA and get into the NCAA tournament. We are a young team but improving as the season progresses. Going from spring to summer bats are warming up which should lead to more hits for our team." Ritsche said.

WSSU baseball is ranked No. 2 in the latest NAIA polls.