By: Evan Rogers

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — In the second game of a home-and-home series, the Holly Springs Salamanders (23-19) defeated the Florence Flamingos (13-25), 6-4, Saturday night at Ting Stadium.

After a scoreless first inning, the Flamingos struck first. Todd Mattox (Francis Marion) began the top of the second inning with a lead-off triple into the left-field corner. Two batters later, the third baseman was driven home by center fielder Aaron Staehely’s (Abilene Christian) RBI groundout. 

In the bottom half of the same inning Holly Springs tied the contest up at one, as center fielder Brett Callahan (Saint Joseph’s) launched his fifth home run of the summer season onto the right-field catwalk. 

Starting pitcher Sam Peddycord (Greensboro College) continued his strong start into the third inning, recording two strikeouts in a zero-run frame. Behind his prowess on the mound, the Salamanders’ barrels came alive. 

With the game still knotted up at one run apiece, left fielder Nate Carriere (Lamar) ripped a lead-off single into left field. Moments later, catcher Jacob Godman (Oral Roberts) launched a 2-RBI double into the right-field gap, propelling the Salamanders to a 5-1 lead. 

However, the Flamingos would fight back in the fifth inning, capitalizing on an error by Holly Springs to cut the Salamanders’ lead to one run. But Florences’ push would not be enough, as a late insurance helped Holly Springs come out on top, 6-4. 

Peddycord pitched a gem, allowing just one earned run during his time on the bump. With the Salamanders’ bullpen running thin as the Coastal Plain League’s regular season comes to a close, having a starter last seven innings provides lasting benefits into Holly Springs’ next contest. 

Holly Springs will hit the road to take on the Wilson Tobs at Fleming Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.