By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
As they hit the road for a March 1 double-header against Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, the Jefferson Davis Warhawks were seeking a couple of victories to improve on their 4-3 conference record. Instead, LBW turned back the Warhawks in both games to gain a twin bill sweep.
With the two losses, JDCC stands at 12-18 on the season and 4-5 against conference competition.
LBW 12, Warhawks 0
In the opening game, LBW smashed three home runs and received a dominating one-hit performance from its starting pitcher in a 12-0 drubbing of JDCC.
LBW wasted little time claiming the lead, as two base hits drove in three runs in the first inning before a three-run home run in the second inning propelled the hosts out front, 6-0.
While the Warhawks were being handcuffed at the plate, LBW dealt the knockout punch in the sixth inning. Two more round-trippers pushed home six more runs while elevating the lead to 12-0.
After the Warhawks were retired in the top of the fifth, the game was called due to the 10-run rule.
Steven Walls went 1-for-2 to lead the JDCC offense.
LBW 13, Warhawks 7
The nightcap was a hotly contested, seesaw affair through three innings. After falling behind by a substantial margin early, the Warhawks battled back to overtake the lead. But, LBW used a mid-game offensive explosion to once again pull away to a decisive victory.
After the Warhawks failed to get on the scoreboard in the top of the first, the LBW bats sizzled with three base hits and a home run that accounted for a 4-0 lead as the teams headed to the second inning.
JDCC responded with an impressive top of the second inning that knotted the score. Steven Cadenhead's triple got things going, and the JDCC bats remained hot throughout the inning while tying the game, 4-4.
As they came to bat in the top of the third, the Warhawks were focused on another big inning that would separate themselves from the hosts. With Jack Schwartz's home run leading the way, JDCC accomplished its goal by scoring three runs and jumping ahead, 7-4.
LBW quickly responded in the bottom of the third. With a lone manufactured run added to a three-run shot that cleared the fence, LBW regained the advantage at 8-7.
From that point on, the hosts did nothing but continue pulling away to victory. Outscoring the Warhawks 5-0 over the next four innings, LBW earned a sweep with a comfortable 13-7 win.
Offensive leaders for the Warhawks were Leon Brasington, 1-for-2; Jack Schwartz, 1-for-3 with one RBI and Clint Howard, 1-for-3 with one RBI.