Shallywags Slug Their Way Through Three Straight Games

SHALLOTTE, N.C—The Shallotte Shallywags powered through a demanding three-day stretch this week, picking up back-to-back wins over Oak Island and Sandhills before running out of steam in a 12–6 loss to Laurinburg on Wednesday night. Now sitting at 11–8 on the season, the Shwags continue to jockey for position in the Coastal Division standings as they look to close out their three-game homestand with a win on Friday night against the Loggerheads.

After a Fourth of July weekend of games were washed out, the Shallywags bounced back into the win column following a disappointing July 3 loss to the Jacksonville Ospreys, outlasting the Oak Island Loggerheads in a wild 16–13 slugfest Monday night at Bill Smith Park. Shallotte racked up 15 hits and 11 walks in the road win, with outfielder Ryan Davis leading the charge at the plate. Davis went 3-for-5, launching a solo home run in the second and adding key singles in the fifth and seventh innings. The Shwags blew an early 4–0 lead but erupted for five runs in the fifth—highlighted by Payton Hankins’ two-run single—to reclaim a 10–6 advantage. After Oak Island tied the game again in the sixth, Shallotte responded with a four-run seventh capped by a two-run double from Trey Pierce. Cody Crafton and Ryan Yaroshuk each added three hits, and Brent Avery shut the door in relief, tossing the final three innings to seal the back-and-forth victory.

"When Brent came in the game, it was big time for us because yesterday the game was very back and forth, and long innings of scoring on both sides,” said second baseman Ryan Seagroves. “I'm glad he was able to come in and shut them down because that gave us some separation and helped us out a lot. 

Returning home Tuesday night, the Shallywags stayed hot with an 8–3 win over the Sandhills Bogeys, powered by timely hitting and another strong outing from southpaw Cam Jernigan. After falling behind 1–0 in the first, Shallotte answered with two runs in the bottom half, including a go-ahead RBI double from Jude Morton, who finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Yaroshuk tripled in the third, and Morton added another run-scoring single to extend the lead. All-Star center fielder Trey Pierce launched a towering solo homer to left in the seventh to help put the game out of reach. Jernigan earned the win, tossing 4.1 innings of three-hit ball with three strikeouts, while Zach Steagall locked down the save, striking out nine batters across the final four frames.

“We got someone that we can trust on the mound, throw strikes, and get people out,” said Jacob Koenig on Steagall’s performance. “It makes it a lot easier on all of us.” 

With back-to-back victories under their belt, the Shallywags entered their third game in as many days Wednesday night against the Laurinburg Highland Hooligans, whom they had beaten in all three previous meetings this season. But Laurinburg finally broke through, outhitting Shallotte 16–8 to earn a 12–6 win and snap the Shwags’ two-game win streak.

Despite the loss, outfielder Payton Hankins extended his hitting streak to four straight games, continuing to find his rhythm at the plate.

“You could see he was struggling a little in the beginning (of the season), and I’m glad he found it and he’s rolling now,” said starting pitcher Bobby Fleming on Hankins’ recent surge. 

The Shwags return to action Friday night as they host the Loggerheads for the fifth installment of the Battle for Brunswick County, with the season series currently tied 2–2. 

“It’s a pretty good rivalry—both teams are going to come ready to play,” said pitcher Carter Navin. “Should be a fun game.”

First pitch is set for 7:00 PM. Fans can get tickets for Friday’s matchup at the gate of West Brunswick High School’s Mike Alderson Field, located at 550 Whiteville Rd NW, or online at www.shallotteshallywags.com. The game will be streamed live on the Foul Pole Sports Network at fpsn.watch.