South Carroll coach George Richardson said his team was especially hungry after playing just one scrimmage during the preseason and having its opening game postponed due to rain.

Yesterday, the fourth-ranked Cavaliers feasted on Liberty.

Starter Brandon Woodward dominated, allowing one hit over four innings and striking out seven, and the offense scored five runs in three different innings in a 16-3 five-inning win over the visiting Lions in a non-conference game.

After barely taking the field this spring, the Cavaliers (1-0) -- undoubtedly the class of Carroll County this season -- seemed eager to begin their season in earnest.

"It just made them a whole lot more anxious," said Richardson. "They wanted to get on the baseball field and play ball. I was afraid we might actually have too much adrenaline."

Woodward, a lanky right-hander, was overpowering at times, using pinpoint location on his fastball and a biting curve to keep Liberty (0-2) off balance all afternoon. He retired the first eight hitters he faced, including six straight by strikeout.

A week after suffering control troubles in a two-inning pre-season stint, the senior looked to be on top of his game.

"Our coach just stresses location," said Woodward, who was removed after throwing 72 pitches. "I just threw it where my catcher told me to."

Said Liberty first-year coach Erik Barnes: "Brandon had outstanding stuff today. He really worked the hitters well, hit his spots and got ahead. That's what you want a pitcher to do."

The Cavaliers were equally impressive at the plate, touching Liberty starter Bryan Bandy for five earned runs over two-plus innings. Despite just nine hits on the day, South Carroll reached base 19 times, including five walks, two hit batsmen, two errors and an umpire's interference.

"We were aggressive at the plate." said Richardson. "We have to be aggressive at the ball; we can't stand there and take strikes, and get behind in the count. Last year if we would score early, then we'd stop. Today we kept being aggressive and hitting the ball hard."

Third baseman Chris Vasse reached base three times and had three RBIs for the Cavaliers, including two on a booming triple to center in the fourth. Leadoff hitter Dan Tompkins reached base four times, stole a pair of bases and scored four runs.

Bandy had the only extra-base hit for the Lions, a two-run triple in the fifth.

Pub Date: 3/27/99