By: Evan Rogers

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — Thanks to an offensive eruption in the fifth inning, the Holly Springs Salamanders (21-19) raced past the Wilson Tobs (21-16), 6-1, Tuesday night at Ting Stadium.

For the first three innings of game action, both teams’ bats were held quiet. Neither squad plated a run and Wilson registered the lone hit during the early goings.

 However, in the bottom of the fourth inning the Salamanders showed life.

To lead off the frame, Nate Carriere (Lamar) dribbled a single through the middle of the infield. But the left fielder was thrown out stealing — a costly out with designated hitter Jack Oberdorf (Seton Hill) chopping a double shortly after. 

With the game still scoreless, the Tobs cracked open the standstill in the next inning. With two outs, shortstop Efry Cervantes (Nebraska) knocked an RBI single to center field to give the Tobs the lead, 1-0. 

Center fielder Brett Callahan (Saint Joseph’s) lifted the cap off of the Salamanders’ offense with his 2-RBI double in the bottom half of the same inning. Shortly after, first baseman Alberto Osuna (UNC) launched a two-run bomb — that traveled 455 feet — to give Holly Springs a four-run advantage.

The Salamanders would tack on one insurance run three inning laters to help Holly Springs cruise to victory, 6-1. 

While the Salamanders’ bats remained cold to start the night, starting pitcher Logan Lee (Northwood) kept Holly Springs in the game, surrendering one run over his 5.2 innings on the mound. Once their offense came alive, the Salamanders were led by two RBIs from Osuna and Callahan, respectively. 

Holly Springs returns to Ting Stadium to take on the South Wake Shakes on Friday, The exhibition contest is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.