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By Andrew Pearson Times-News Staff Writer April 4, 2001 ASHEVILLE - A game widely anticipated due to one move ended with talks of another - West Henderson's leapfrog over T.C. Roberson to the top of the Mountain Athletic Conference standings. Looking mortal under the guise of the state's top-ranked team and defending 3-A state champion, Roberson was overwhelmed by months of pent-up emotion and skill in the opposite dugout Tuesday, falling 7-3 on their home field.The victory by the Falcons was a timely one, coming in the first meeting between the teams since lefty Reid Price transferred to the Buncombe County school from West this semester. West coach Jim Hyatt broke away from a sea of congratulatory handshakes and wishes after the game and offered any needed insight into a joyous Falcons' celebration."I'm not going to lie to you, we wanted this one about as badly as we've ever wanted one," said Hyatt. "A lot of people wanted this to come down to Reid Price vs. West, Hyatt vs. (Roberson coach Tommy) Smith, but what they saw was a good, clean game. It is a big win after what happened. I think a lot of people were questioning what was wrong with West baseball when Reid left - I hope this shows some people that we're doing just fine."Price, whose move stirred an already intense rivalry, couldn't pitch around a determined and hungry Falcon squad which seemed intent on nothing short of victory.An opposite field grand slam by junior Billy McCarson in the fifth hammered away any comeback attempt by Roberson. Meanwhile, senior John Dunn (3-0) handcuffed the Rams, lasting just long enough for the Falcons to snatch an early lead."We treated this like just another conference game, but to be honest we were hoping (West) would be so fired up to get at Reid that they'd forget about our other guys," said Smith. "I'll tell you this, John Dunn was as good a pitcher as we've seen all year. We didn't give Reid any run support and the bulk of the credit goes to Dunn. He shut us down."Price (4-1) worked the first five innings, surrendering all but one of the Falcons' runs. He did manage to hurl seven strikeouts during that time but also gave up eight hits and two walks.For West (11-2, 3-0 in the MAC), Dunn gave up just one run while allowing three hits. He was relieved by Brandon Williams, who got the Falcons out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth. Justin Weeks came on in the fifth and held the Rams (10-1, 2-1) down until they managed to plate two in the seventh.Kevin Allen led West from the plate, going 3-for-4, while Weeks aided his cause with a 2-for-4 effort. McCarson's shot came just after it appeared Smith might pull Price. After a short conference on the mound, McCarson jumped on Price's next offering, smacking it straight over the right field fence to plate Brian Williams, Mitchell Pridmore and T.J. Pressley."I was just thinking, that thing better get over when I hit it," McCarson said. "I think we came out today and just played with some heart and emotion. John put us in position and our bats got the job done when it mattered."As for Price, Hyatt cleared the air publicly of any conceived feelings his school may still hold towards the pitcher."Reid Price is an excellent ballplayer and I never said he wasn't a good kid either," he said. "When you do have someone play with you for so long and come to your camps each summer, it is a bitter pill when they leave. But what you saw today is that both these teams are a good bit more than just one player. Furthermore, no one was out there talking trash for either team; that shows you some character. Our guys came out with some pride today and showed what West baseball means to them."Price led the Rams from the plate, going 3-for 3. Teammate Kenny Smith was 2-for4 on the evening with a stolen base and run scored. |