FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Evangel Christian School baseball team improved its record to 5-1 overall with two wins in the rain-shortened Spring Fling Invitational on March 10 in Huntsville.

The Lightning topped Aaron Academy of Nashville in the first game 11-1 in five innings , and then held on to defeat host Covenant Christian Academy 10-8 in a dramatic second game.

Andrew Thompson (1-0) went the distance in the first game, scattering six hits and allowing just one unearned run.  Zach Shackelford had two hits, including a bases clearing triple, and drove in four runs for the Lightning. Peter Lau also added two hits, including an RBI triple, and Brandon Mackey and Colin Myers each drove in two runs.

In the second game, Josh Letson (2-0) earned the win, going five innings and allowing two earned runs, while striking out five.  He also drove in three runs.  Colton Kimbrel led the Lightning with three hits–a single, double and triple–and three RBI.   Thompson added two singles and scored two wins.

Trailing by seven runs late, Covenant cut the deficit to 10-8 in the last inning and had a runner on second when Travis Upton lined a shot to deep left center with two outs.  Evangel centerfielder Clay O’Neal sealed the win for the Lightning with a game-saving diving catch to end the Falcons’ rally.