Published: May 10, 2008 12:16 am            

Helton, Baugh help Southern blast Model

BEREA — After a season filled with heartbreaking setbacks and lopsided losses, this victory was particularly sweet — even if it wasn’t a no-hitter.

John Helton allowed just one hit as Madison Southern (5-20) rolled to a dominating 13-0 five-inning win over district rival Model (1-18) Friday at home. John Baugh hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs as the Eagles picked up their first back-to-back victories of the season.

“It’s really the first time all year we’ve had the chance to get some other kids in the game,” Southern coach Brandon Watkins said. “It’s nice to be able to do that and some of those younger guys have been working hard and they deserve it. It feels good.”

Southern hadn’t scored more than six runs in a game all season, but after getting a pair of runs in the both first and third innings, exploded for nine runs in the fourth. The Eagles sent 13 batters to the plate and got two-run singles from Jacob Agee, Ben Slater and pinch-hitter Troy Tinsley.

That was more than enough support for Helton.

The right-hander allowed a walk in the first and another in the fourth and didn’t give up a hit until the fifth. With one out, Turner Curtis lined a single into center field to break up the no-hitter.

“The win is all that matters,” Helton said of the one-hitter.

Helton bounced back to get a fielder’s choice, then struck out David Losson to end the game.

“He went after them and threw strikes,” Watkins said of Helton. “That’s all we can ask.”

Helton singled to lead off the first then scored when Baugh homered to left center. Baugh singled in the third and after a sacrifice fly by James Royal scored on a single by Jacob Webster.

“It was good to see (Baugh) hit a ball hard,” Watkins said. “He’s been kind of struggling.”

Helton scored three times, Agree drove in three runs and every Southern starter with the exception of Phillip Acres scored at least once.

Will Travis started for Model before Losson came on in the fourth.

The loss was the 15th in a row for the Patriots, who were playing without their only four seniors.

Model returns to action Monday at Garrard County. Southern is set to play two home games today. The Eagles will take on Garrard County at 11 a.m. then Lee County at 4 p.m.

        

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