The Unaka baseball team broke open a close game in a big way.
The Rangers exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning and never looked back to take a 15-4 win over Avery County (N.C.) on Monday evening on Stoney Creek.
After the Vikings took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, Unaka went to work with two outs in the home side of the frame. Davy Ensor hit a single to push Nolan Bradley across home plate to even things up, and Devon Ramsey and Ensor scored to give Unaka 3-1 lead after one complete.
Avery, however, repaid the favor as the Vikings scored three runs with two outs to regain the lead. The Rangers evened the score in the bottom of the second as John Ramsey hit a double to push Reid Taylor across the plate. UHS retook the lead as Ramsey scored off an Avery error.
Neither team was able to score in the third, and the Rangers held Avery to one hit in the top of the fourth. From there, Unaka hit the gas pedal to take control.
The Rangers plated three runs before the first out was recorded and ended the inning with a 15-5 lead.
An Unaka double-plate and strikeout in the fifth wrapped up the win.
Bryson Street, Taylor and Ramsey had two hits each, while Daniel Ensor and Dav. Ensor had a hit apiece. Nick Nunley and Ramey tallied three RBIs. Taylor added two RBIs to the Unaka cause.
On the mound, Street got the start and held Avery to just two hits with three strikeouts. Joe Slagle also had a stellar effort as he allowed just three hits in three innings of work.
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