By: Evan Rogers

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — Behind a collective effort on the mound, the Holly Springs Salamanders (11-5) trampled the Wilmington Sharks (7-12), 5-2, Sunday night at Ting Stadium.

The Sharks put Holly Springs in an early hole in the game’s initial frame. Nick Roselli drove home the first of Wilmington’s two runs of the inning with an RBI single to right field.

In a short time, the Salamanders responded to the early hole.

In the bottom of the second inning, a drawn walk by designated hitter Will Stewart and bunt advanced the first Salamander into scoring position. And, shortstop Connor Coolahan twisted an RBI double down the first-base line to get Holly Springs on the board.

Moments later, the Salamanders would add to its fruitful inning. After a Shark’s error advanced Coolahan to third base, left fielder Nate Carriere drilled a double to the left-field corner, tying the contest up at two.  

One inning later, Holly Springs’ bats exploded. Following a hit-by-pitch, Stewart and center fielder Nathan Humphreys smashed home runs on consecutive pitches to give the Salamanders their first lead of the game, 5-2. 

After combining for seven runs in the first three innings, both teams’ offenses went cold with neither squad plating a run for the remainder of the game. 

The home run derby in the early goings of Sunday night’s bout helped propel the Salamanders to their fifth straight win. At the plate, Stewart and Humphreys lead with a two-run and solo shot, respectively, on back-to-back pitches in the third inning.

Holly Springs concludes its three-game home stand on Monday against the Wilson Tobs. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.