FRANKLIN
It was fitting that Thursday afternoon’s baseball game between Franklin and Southampton took place on a football field that can be transformed into a diamond, as the final score was more reminiscent of the Backyard Brawl that takes place in November.

The Indians jumped out to a 9-0 lead after one half inning, nearly batting through the lineup twice before the Broncos even stepped to the plate once, on their way to a 21-0 win.

Southampton loaded the bases three batters into the game, and took the lead when Franklin’s catcher was unable to corral a wild pitch.

A 2 RBI double by outfielder Blake Rose pushed the lead to three, which was followed by a run-scoring sacrifice fly.

Two walks loaded the bases again for second baseman James Williams, who doubled to left field in his second at bat to score another.

Consecutive singles by Wesley Pierce and Nash Warren gave the visitors an 8-0 lead before outfielder Robert Hawkins capped the inning with an RBI single.

It was a tough outing for Franklin pitcher JaVonte Baker, who surrendered 13 runs on 11 hits and six walks in only two innings of work.

The senior took a line drive off of the shin in the second frame to add injury to insult, but valiantly attempted to stay in the game.

He was ultimately lifted after loading the bases without recording an out in the third.

With his team up 16-0 after three innings, Southampton head coach Wes Griffith unloaded his bench and lifted Pierce, his pitcher, from the game.

The righty, who threw the first perfect game in program history last month, had not allowed a hit and struck out five batters to that point; the only base runner reached on an error.

The Indians would tack on five more runs in the fifth inning against relief pitcher/first baseman Darrien Duck, while the Broncos would struggle to mount more that two hits over the final few frames.

Southampton improved to 8-2 on the season with the win, while Franklin dropped to 1-7.

The teams are both scheduled to be back in action on Tuesday, as the Indians host Surry County and the Broncos host Greensville County.