By: Evan Rogers

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — In its second exhibition game of the season, the Holly Springs Salamanders (5-5) trampled the South Wake Shakes, 7-0, Friday night at Ting Stadium.

The Salamanders struck first after holding the Shakes scoreless in the initial frame. Shortly after, lead-off man Davis Meche clinched the first base runner for Holly Springs after drawing a walk. Then, two wild pitches and a sacrifice groundout by third baseman Eddie Eisert gave the Salamanders the early lead, 1-0.

One inning later, Holly Spring increased its lead. After designated hitter Dylan Blomquist blooped a single into shallow center field, three walks and a pass ball drove home two runs for the Salamanders.

But, the scoring barrage for Holly Springs was just getting underway. 

In the bottom of the third inning, first baseman Reed Stallman’s two-run homer carried over the left-field wall, sparking a three-run output from Holly Springs in the frame. By the end of the inning, the Salamanders’ advantage had ballooned to 6-0.

Following two scoreless innings by both teams, shortstop Gavin Troutman lined a single to left-center field to open the bottom half of the fifth inning. And, after advancing to second via a stolen base, Blomquist drove Troutman home with an RBI-single that dribbled through the right-infield gap. 

Holly Springs’ seven-run win was led by a pair of 2-RBI nights from Eisert and Stallman who both thrived in the batters box. Likewise, the shutout victory came by way of a collective effort from the bullpen, headlined by starting pitcher CJ Neese pitching two innings to start the game.

The Salamanders continue their three-game home stand on Saturday against the Asheboro Zookeepers. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.