Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PEDRO — The Rock Hill Redmen knew what it took to win, and that’s what they gave.

The Redmen used the strong pitching of Jonathan Joseph and Jonah Cox along with solid defense and timely hitting to rally past the Fairview Eagles 3-2 on Friday.

“We got good pitching, good defense and clutch hitting. We played good group baseball and pulled together. Jonathan threw well and Jonah came in and closed the door. That’s what it takes,” said Rock Hill coach Barry Litteral.

Joseph went six innings and had 10 strikeouts to get the win for Rock Hill (7-3). Cox pitched the seventh inning for the save and struck out two of the three outs.

Fairview (3-10) took a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

Blake Smith walked, Jonathan Ruggles singled, both moved up on a wild pitch and Austin Harris had a two-out, two-run single.

Rock Hill got a run back in the fourth when Cox walked, Jack Goodwin was hit by a pitch and Joseph had an RBI single.

The Redmen put together the wining rally with two runs in the sixth.

Cox walked, Joseph hit into a fielder’s choice, Jordan Hairston walked and pinch-runner Shawn Wilds scored on a hit by Corey Noel.

Brandon Schob followed with the game-winning RBI single.

Fairview 200 000 0 = 2 5 3

Rock Hill 000 102 x = 3 4 1

Freeman, Harris (6) and Ruggles. Jonathan Joseph, Jonah Cox (7) and Jordan Hairston. W-Joseph (IP-6, H-5, K-10, BB-1, R-2). Save-Cox (IP-1, K-2). L-Harris. Hitting-Fairview: Jonathan Ruggles 1-4, Josh Russell 1-3, Austin Harris 2-3, Tanner Young 1-3; RH: Jonathan Joseph 1-3, Corey Noel 1-3, Brandon Schob 1-3, Chance Blankenship 1-2.