By: Evan Rogers

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — In an exhibition contest, the Holly Springs Salamanders topped the South Wake Shakes, 13-0, Monday night at Ting Stadium.

Following two scoreless innings, Holly Springs’ bats came to life. Left fielder Dylan Blomquist (UT Tyler) sparked the offensive with a one-out double that bounced off the base of the left-field wall. 

Moments later, the Salamanders loaded the bases after designated hitter Will Stewart (Liberty) drew a walk. One batter later, third baseman Jack Oberdorf (Seton Hall) skyed a bases-clearing double to give Holly Springs the lead, 3-0. 

The Salamanders would tighten its grip on the Shakes in the succeeding frame, holding South Wake hitless in the top of the fourth inning. In the bottom half of the inning, second baseman Patrick Alvarez’s (UNC) RBI single lined into the left field, increasing Holly Springs’ lead to four. 

Stewart led off the next offensive frame for the Salamanders with a single that squirted down the first-base line. And, first baseman Jack Winsett (Rider) notched the second bases-clearing double of the game for Holly Springs, giving the Salamanders an 8-0 advantage. 

In the same inning, Holly Springs would add to its already comfortable lead behind a solo home run from Blomquist — a knock that traveled 388 feet.  

The Salamanders would go on to score four runs in the sixth inning, and hold the Shakes scoreless, en route to their dominant 13-0 win.

In a bout that saw seven different Salamanders tally hits, Oberdorf and Winsett led the way. The pair drove in a combined six runs and helped Holly Springs break away from the Shakes. 

The Salamanders will hit the road to take on the Wilson Tobs on Tuesday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.