11 South pitchers combined to hold the North to four hits in a game played in Daytona Beach, FL. The South led the game all the way, starting with two unearned runs in the top of the first. The South extended their lead to 4-0 with a two-RBI double by 2B Andy Ruiz (Florida Memorial) in the top of the second.
The North answered with a run in the bottom of the third on an RBI triple by CF Billy Farrell (Webber International), who then came home on a ground out by 2B Terry McClinton (South Carolina-Beaufort). The North got as close as 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh when LF Josh Longbrake (Webber International) was hit by a pitch, and scored on an error.
The South got the winning run in the top of the eighth. CF Brandon Kirby (Warner) walked, stole second and third, and scored on a throwing error.
Kirby went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the game. Other South players with multiple hits were 2B Justin Burgess (Warner, 2-for-2) and DH/C Gabe Loweree (Ave Maria, 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run scored). The South pitchers with the best numbers were Justin Helms (Northwood), J.D. Tyler (Northwood), and Ashley Bullock (Saint Thomas); they each faced only three batters, and recorded a strikeout.
In other results, The Master's swept a double-header against Simpson 18-0 and 6-0. (Simpson lost games to San Diego Christian, Biola, and The Master's during the week.) Westmont swept a double-header against Bethesda 21-0 and 9-2. San Diego Christian also won a pair of games during the week against La Sierra, so the Hawks have started the season 4-0. Golden State Athletic Conference competition starts January 25-26; The Hawks host Westmont, The Master's hosts Biola, and Concordia-Irvine hosts Arizona Christian. Concordia opens their season at Division II UC San Diego on Monday, January 21. The Tritons, ranked #23 in Division II, host Cal State San Marcos on January 25, and Vanguard on January 29.