By Matthew D. Stokes
BerryVikings.com Staff Writer

ROME, Ga. – Huntingdon overcame an early deficit to defeat Berry 13-7 in a rainy Friday afternoon baseball game at William R. Bowdoin Field.

The matchup, which started two hours earlier than expected due to weather concerns, marked Berry's first game at home since March 10.

Aided by three Huntingdon errors, Berry scored five runs in the second, including four with two outs. Brandyn Jackson, Stephen Gaylor, and T.C. Boyd each drove in one run apiece in that frame.

Through three and two-thirds innings, Huntingdon had failed to muster any hits off Berry right-hander Casey Gray. Then in one pitch and one swing, the tide quickly changed.

Following Berry head coach David Beasley's lengthy conversation with umpires disputing a hit batter, Evan Agnew grooved Gray's first pitch over the right field fence for a three-run home run.

Gray's struggles continued in the sixth when he quickly loaded the bases, bringing up a familiar foe. However, this time Gray retired Agnew on a bases-loaded flyout to center. Unfortunately for Gray, the next batter, Tyler Blackwell, grounded an RBI single up the middle and Kevin Plyler lined a two-run single to center, tying the game and forcing the righty from the game.

Gray threw five and two-third innings, surrendering six hits and six runs (three earned) as well as walking three. He also struck out four.

The next inning did not go much smoother as Huntingdon broke out by plating five runs off Josh Dilbeck before an out was recorded, including four on Jordan Freeman's grand slam home run to left. Dilbeck (0-2) picked up the loss after he pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing four hits and five earned runs.

Joseph Fincher earned the victory for Huntingdon in relief of staring pitcher John Rice. Fincher tossed five and a third frames of four-hit ball, giving up one earned run and striking out six.

Gaylor and Boyd had two hits apiece for Berry. For Huntingdon Jordan Green went a perfect 3-for-3 while Grant Brown, Joseph Odom, Freeman, and Plyler each had two base hits.

The Vikings will square off against Huntingdon again Saturday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.

- BerryVikings.com -