COLUMBIA, MD — Despite its 6-10 record, the Hammond baseball team is not one that any opposing coach is looking forward to facing in the playoffs. With an ace pitcher, lefty David Hutchison, and power bats sprinkled liberally throughout the line-up, the Golden Bears are capable of beating nearly any opponent they face in a one-game scenario.
Hammond's effectiveness was on full display on Friday afternoon in a 9-2 win against visiting Centennial (2-13).
Third baseman Andy Weaver hit a two-run home run as part of a four-run first inning, and added an RBI double in the fifth. Catcher Tony Terrasa and shortstop DaVonn Griffin each hit two-run doubles to bolster the offensive display.
"Our approaches at the plate are really good," said Weaver, whose team closes out its regular season against Mt. Hebron on Monday. "I think we're starting to heat up as we reach the playoffs, and I think we could go on a really long streak."
Colton Witt (2 K, 4 BB, 1 HBP) pitched a complete game three-hitter to earn the victory.
All three of the Eagles' hits were doubles: the first by Mark Thurmond with two outs in the second, then a leadoff two-bagger by Seamus Harrigan in the sixth, followed two batters later with a two-out RBI double by freshman Matt Ritchie. Centennial also scored in the fifth, when Matt McShane was hit by a pitch, advanced on a Glen Stratton walk and a Connor Clemens fielder's choice, and scored on a double steal.
But aside from a two-out, two-base error in the first inning, the Golden Bears didn't give Centennial anything easy. Sam Wiedorfer (BB, HBP, 2 SB, RBI sac fly, 2 R), Witt (1B, BB, R), JT Brittain (3 BB, R) and Tyler Zamora (1B, R) also contributed to the Hammond offense.
"Our defense and pitching keep us in ball games, but the guys see how well we can play when they swing the bat," Hammond coach Casey Medairy said. "Guys are hitting to the right side more and staying back on off-speed pitches."
Robert Hunter walked and stole two bases for Centennial.
Once the playoffs start on Friday, May 8, the Golden Bears will be competing against local rivals Marriotts Ridge (11-5) and Oakland Mills (0-16) in the 2A South region.
"We can beat anyone as long as we're hitting," Weaver said.
But before the playoffs start, the matter of the Howard County title still needs to be settled.
Howard (14-2) can clinch at least a share with a win at defending county champ Atholton on Monday, but Mt. Hebron (12-2) can still claim a piece with wins over Hammond, River Hill and Long Reach next week.
The Vikings' game against Long Reach was tied 2-2 after six innings on Thursday when it had to be postponed due to lightning and rain. The completion date has yet to be announced.
C (2-13) 000 011 0 - 2 3 0
Ha (6-10) 400 023 x - 9 6 1
Atkins, Steen (6) and Varner. Witt and Terrasa.
2B: C — Thurmond, Harrigan, Ritchie. Ha — Terrasa, Weaver, Griffin.
HR: Ha — Weaver.