Russell rolls to 17-5 win over Royals

By MELINDA ROBINSON - The Independent

FLATWOODS Sat, May 17 2008

— Russell took advantage of Rose Hill early and rolled to a 17-5, five-inning win Thursday evening.
“I thought we got some big hits in some key situations and we took advantage of our opportunities,” Russell coach Mike Martino said.
The Red Devils batted through the order in the bottom of the first and plated eight runs off Rose Hill starting pitcher Ben Campbell before he was lifted for John Thompson.
Russell added a three-run third and five-run fourth to put the game away. Junior Andrew Feltrop, batting in the five spot, hit a solo home run in the second. He was 3-for-4 on the day with three RBI to lead Russell’s offense. Cleanup batter Tyler DeHoff was 2-for-3 with four RBI.
“That’s Andrew’s second home run now and he’s starting to come alive,” Martino said. “If our three, four, five or six batters can drive in runs in key situations, you should be able to win.”
The Red Devils collected 13 hits on the day and each batter came around to score at least once in the game.
Navarone Alleshouse pitched a complete game for the win, giving up two earned runs off seven hits. He struck out four and walked four batters.
The Royals took advantage of a few Russell errors to score in the second and third innings. In the top of the fifth, Caleb Roberts hit a one-out single to drive in Jacob Mullen. Roberts dashed for second on the relay throw but was tagged at the bag with the throw in from the catcher, but not before Ethan Parsons came around to plate the final run.
“They didn’t just lay down and quit after the first inning but still, there’s just something missing there that we haven’t got yet,” Rose Hill coach Dale Hensley said.
Ryan Whetsel, Mullen and Roberts were each 2-for-3 to lead the Royals’ offensive efforts.
“We can’t figure out what it’s going to take to get these kids playing,” Hensley said. “They’ve got the talent and this should be the best team Rose Hill’s ever put on the field. They just haven’t produced. We just can’t seem to put it together.”
The Royals (3-9) will take on East Carter today at Paintsville in the Tiger Classic. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.
Russell (5-5) plays host to Mason County today at 6 p.m. in the Spectrum Graphics Classic.
ROSE HILL 012 02 — 5 7 1
RUSSELL 813 5x — 17 13 3
Campbell, Thompson (1) and Roberts; Alleshouse and Hamilton. W — Alleshouse, L — Campbell. 2B: Roberts (RH), T. DeHoff (RU), Feltrop (RU) 3B: Mullen (RH). HR: Feltrop (RU).