Defending champs off And running

Hobbs Johnson, a Rocky Mount Academy transfer, opened the baseball season for the Rocky Mount Gryphons pitching four innings of shutout baseball. But he also got the hit to get a rally started in the bottom of the fourth as RMHS opened with an 8-4 win over South Granville Wednesday afternoon at Gryphon Stadium.

Senior Brian Goodwin picked up right where he left of last season by going 2-for-4 on two singles , two RBIs and three stolen bases.

Dillion Cockrell, Ben Fish and Johnson also had two hits a piece while Gabe Brown had the other Gryphon hit.

Rocky Mount's rally in the fourth produced seven runs. Parker Helms came on to pitch the fifth, but needed relief help from Nick Hahula, who just started baseball this week having just finished basketball season.

Hahula pitched the last 2 1/3 innings to get the save.

The Gryphons return to action Saturday as they play in the Impact Baseball Invitational being held at the USA Baseball Facility in Cary. Game time is 4.30 p.m.. They will be joined by Northern Nash which plays Saturday morning at 11.

The Gryphons return to Gryphon Stadium next Tuesday as they host Greenville Rose.

I would like to thank Wes Bradshaw with all the details on today's game and announce that Bella (Wes' dog) has yet to lose a game as a Gryphon fan having helped today in the press box.

Tonight ,Carolina got a big win at Virginia Tech. Coupled with Duke's win last night, Duke and Carolina play for the No. 1 seed Sunday. Carolina can win the No. 1 seed outright ,while Duke can force a tie.

North Carolina State wins at home over BC in its last home game of the year. Tonight's victory qualifies the Pack for the NIT as they now are guarenteed a winning season.

The snow hasn't quite gone away yet, but the ACC baseball season has their first ACC weekend. State plays at Miami, while Carolina opens conference play at home against Clemson.

It is hard to believe, but Rocky Mount native Billy Godwin has been at East Carolina already long enough to win 121 games. That moves him to sixth all-time in Pirate coaching wins after their win today over ODU.

Way to go, Billy!