Hough powers past Vance, 23-1, to clinch MECKA 4A title

Most of Hough High’s roster got a workout during Friday’s game against Vance.

So did the scoreboard operator, as the Huskies took a 23-1, five-inning victory over the Cougars to clinch their second straight MECKA 4A regular-season title.

Hough (18-6, 13-1) needed just 95 minutes to put away Vance (3-11, 2-11), giving the Huskies the top seed in next week’s conference tournament, which begins Monday.

“We got to play everybody except some of our pitchers,” Huskies coach Jimmy Cochran. “This next week, week-and-a-half is going to be really important for us to get locked into the state playoffs.

“We wanted to make sure everybody got some work. We’ve got a roster full of guys who, at any time, can step in and contribute, so keeping them fresh and keeping them locked in mentally and physically is important.”

Such as reserve Hunter Baker, who came off the bench to connect for a pair of run-scoring hits for Hough. He drilled a two-run triple during a 12-run second inning that put the Huskies solidly in command, then had a three-run home run during an eight-run fourth inning.

Hough also scored three runs in the top of the fifth inning.

“He hasn’t had a whole lot of time in a game setting but has a bright future with our club,” Cochran said. “He’s just an injury away from being an everyday player.”

Baker was one of five players to get two hits Friday, as the Huskies drilled 15 hits total against two different Vance pitchers. But the Cougars also committed eight errors, leading to 10 unearned runs.

Quote

“I’m trying to teach them to stay focused and learn from their mistakes. My word to them after every play, no matter what the final score is, ‘Keep fighting, don’t give up.’ One thing about them is they’re very resilient. No matter the score, they keep fighting.” – Vance coach Rodney Carr.

Worth mentioning

In two games this season, Hough outscored Vance 42-1. … Drew Ober, Blake Matthews, Cam Sabido and Brooke Carroll also had two hits for the Huskies. … A.J. Freeman had an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth for Vance.

What’s next?

Vance wraps up its regular-season schedule Saturday, hosting North Mecklenburg. … Hough will open play in the MECKA 4A tournament on Monday, hosting eighth-seeded West Charlotte.

This story was originally published May 1, 2015 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Hough powers past Vance, 23-1, to clinch MECKA 4A title."