Saints beat ASCC 9-6 in twinbill closer, snap losing streak

Written on the whiteboard inside of LBWCC’s dugout were the words, “win one inning @ a time.”

The Saints battled back from a 5-1 deficit to beat Alabama Southern 9-6 in game two of an ACCC South Conference doubleheader on Friday at Crum Foshee Field in Andalusia.

This victory snapped a seven-game losing streak for LBWCC.

Saints coach Steve Helms said it feels pretty good to get a win after such a long stretch of losses.

“We have struggled,” Helms said. “The good thing about this team is that they have given me everything they’ve got. We’ve had some key injuries, we’ve had some suspensions that have cost us. But, the kids have battled.”

That the Saints did on a beautiful day at the ball park.

LBWCC broke a 6-6 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning when it tacked on three critical runs.

Mason Rogers led the inning off with a walk, and Nick Bender reached on an error to put two on with no outs.

Then, Zach Ward of Andalusia, bunted and the ASCC pitcher missed the catch to load the bases.

With the pads occupied, LBWCC’s Roquel “Rock” Marsh hit a two-run chopper and advanced to second on on the attempted throw at home.

The Saints added their ninth run when Ward scored on a called, but unsuccessful squeeze play.

“I’m proud of them,” Helms said. “They’re giving me everything. If we can keep doing that and get better and get some guys back healthy, I feel good about where we’re going. We’re turning it around.”

Bender went 2-for-3 with a double to lead the Saints. Marsh, Pugh, Blake Grill, Trey Matherson, Conner Smith and Ward had one hit each.

Blaine Eads came in in relief during the sixth inning and recorded the win.

Starting next week, the Saints will start the second-half of their conference play. Instead of conference doubleheaders, the games will now be played in three-game series.

Helms said the second half conference play format will help the team in the end.

“I feel good about where we’re going,” the coach said. “We lost seven in a row, and most kids give up in that situation. Our kids kept fighting and even in the first game, we were down 17-4, and put five runs on them. We never quit.

“To me, if they don’t quit, we’ve got a chance,” he said.

In game one, the Saints lost 20-9.

Marsh went 2-for-5; and Matherson went 1-for-2.

LBWCC will be back in action on Tuesday at Enterprise State for a doubleheader.