Hammond and Laurence Manning traded wins on April 30, forcing a third and deciding game in the SCISA baseball playoffs.

In the first game, Skyhawks pitcher Andrew Lamb pitched a six–strikeout gem, and Brent Borders and Kyle Towles each went 3–for–4 on the way to a 7–2 victory over the Swampcats.

“Their pitcher impressed me today,” said Laurence Manning coach Steve Belangia. “His curve really worked today.”

Hammond was also able to get timely hits and capitalize on small mistakes made by LMA fielders. A five–run second inning was all the Skyhawks needed to seal the victory.

With the bases loaded and one out, John Allen Babson laid down a perfect surprise bunt in front of pitcher Matt Mays for the first score of the game.

Les Cotter then walked, and Borders hit a laser to right field that plated two more runs. Cotter then scored the fifth run on a Towles single.

Belangia was complimentary of the Skyhawks’ ability to manufacture runs.

“They shortened their bats and hit balls into the holes,” he said. “When you give up a five–run inning like we did, you can’t win.”

Hammond’s Lamb managed to pitch out of several dangerous spots, including a no–out, bases loaded jam in the fourth. After a Will McNair doubled and Jack Martin singled, Bill Wheeler drove in the Swamp Cats’ only two runs of the night. But then Lamb settled down, forcing Jerry Turchotte to pop up, and caught Joey Brunson looking for the third out of the inning.

In the second game, it looked like Hammond would go for the sweep, scoring four early runs and chasing junior pitcher Trevor Morris in the first inning.

But the Swampcats touched up freshman pitcher Jake Nidiffer in the top of the third en route to an 11–6 victory, forcing a third game on May 1.

The Skyhawks took the Saturday meeting at Laurence Manning 9–5 and travel to Hilton Head Christian for the start of a best of three SCISA 3A semifinal series at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 4. The teams are scheduled to play at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Hammond and Friday, May 5 at a neutral site if necessary.