Shallywags Split First Two Games of Second Half

SHALLOTTE, N.C—The Shallywags capped off the end of June with a 9–2 win over Laurinburg on Sunday before falling short, 10–7, against Sandhills on Monday, splitting their back-to-back home games to start the second half of the season. 

Backed by dominant relief pitching and patient at-bats, the Shallotte Shallywags cruised past the Laurinburg Highland Hooligans on Sunday, June 29. After falling behind 2–0 early, Shallotte stormed back in the fifth inning when Ryan Yaroshuk ripped a go-ahead three-run double. The Shallywags drew 13 walks and stole six bases, led by Payton Hankins and Jacob Koenig, who each worked three free passes. All-Star center fielder Trey Pierce finished 2-for-3 with two stolen bases from the leadoff spot. Left-hander Camden Jernigan made his season debut on the mound, striking out eight over five scoreless innings of relief. The win marked the team’s second three-game winning streak of the season.

“That was huge for him to come in and do that, especially the first time out,” said left-handed pitcher Zach Steagall on Jernigan’s first performance on the mound in the season. “If anybody has the mentality to do it, it’s him.”

The Shallywags returned to the field the next day, Monday, June 30, for a matchup against the Sandhills Bogeys. Sandhills jumped out early with home runs from JD Scarbrough and All-Star designated hitter Charlie Muñiz to build a 5–0 lead in the first two innings. The Shallywags battled back in the final two frames, with Cody Crafton driving in a run, Jude Morton scoring on a wild pitch, and Branton Jernigan blasting a three-run homer to right field. Despite the late push, Shwags’ comeback came up short in a 10–7 loss.

The boys of summer continue their four-game homestand Wednesday, July 2, when they host cross-county rivals the Oak Island Loggerheads. Tickets are available at the gate at West Brunswick High School’s Mike Alderson Field or online at www.shallotteshallywags.com. The game will be streamed live on the Foul Pole Sports Network at fpsn.watch.