The lead switched back and forth between the Piedmont Pride and the Lenoir Oilers 10 times in a third round elimination playoff game at York Comprehensive High School on Thursday night, but a five run top of the 10th inning was more than The Pride could handle, falling to the Oilers 14-9. The Pride finish the season with a record of 27-11, regular season champs in the SCBL.
When asked to use a few words to describe the team this year, an emotional Joe Hudak had this to say “I think if I had to use two words to describe this team, it would have to be fun, and amazing. It would be fun because I had a lot of fun coaching this team this summer. We had a great group of guys and we had fun on and off the field all summer. And I would choose amazing because seeing how some of our guys have grown over the summer. We really accomplished our three goals we set at the beginning of the year, to play good baseball, make friendship and lifetime bonds, and to also become closer with the Lord.”
Altogether the Red and Blue posted 280 hits this season, 23 of them leaving the park as home runs. Jared Gay led the team with six long balls, followed closely behind by his teammate Josh Baker with five. The Pride had six players hit over .300 this season with Kale Rhame leading the team in average at .388. Jake Wright led the team in hits with 40. Wright had himself a big summer before heading off to Coastal Carolina University, the lefty had nine doubles, two triples, and two home runs while batting a nice .381.
Pride pitching was as cool as the other side of the pillow this summer, posting a 4.386 team ERA. Grant Wagner lead the Red and Blue in wins with a record of 6-0 followed closely behind by Jaret Peterson with a record of 5-1. Nolan Wilson lead the team in ERA with a sub one of .684. The Belmont Abbey Crusader also only allowed two earned runs all season, while striking out a staggering 51 batters.
Looking forward to next season, Coach Hudak would like to have one of the college fields done at the new Kingsmen Baseball Complex in York County. “We finally have the funding to start breaking ground. We would love to have a college field done for next season as well as lodging for the players so we don’t have to worry about traveling or where were going to stay next year.”
Kingsmen Baseball would like to thank you all for your continued support this summer. It has been a great experience for the players and staff here in Rock Hill, South Carolina and we can’t wait to get back out on the field for the 2019 summer baseball season!
