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Oct 07, 2023

Micah Mauls the Ball, Rams Sink Vikings

Grand slam-hitting Reno Jeter playfully stands over Micah Simpson (30), who hit

Grand slam-hitting Reno Jeter playfully stands over Micah Simpson (30), who hit the winning homer in the semifinal series opener and clincher, and C.J. Wallace (long red hair). Simpson is among Rams on the ground as a team pile-up materializes, to celebrate winning the West Region. Zeb Swangim joyfully jumps at right. Photo by Pete Zamplas.

Skyland – Roberson Rams go for their second state baseball title in seven seasons, after winning the 4A West Region last week with spectacular and dramatic contributions from several stars.

West top seed TCR (24-7) tackles East fourth seed Wake Forest Cougars (25-5) and star catcher Luke Stevenson (17 HR, .520) and pitcher Jimmy Lovelace (10-1, 0.89 ERA). The best-of-three series is in Burlington Athletic Stadium. Ram games start at 5 p.m. Friday, and Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. if a third game is needed.

Roberson won a recent state baseball crown in 2017. Head coach Eric Filipek observed that current Rams similarly blend skill, grit, tenacity, and special plays. After the semifinal series win over Northwest Guilford Vikings (27-7) on Friday, Coach Filipek told his Rams that "you did an incredible job, in handling adversity."

Third baseman Zeb Swangim, who had two hits and a walk Friday, said that "we worked all season long for this moment. We beat a great lineup."

Current Rams persistently punish opposing pitching, and excel all-around. They won the region by beating Northwest Guilford in two out of three games last week — in opposite style.

First, the Rams edged the Vikings 2-1 in a pitching duel, in nine (two extra) innings on Simpson's "walk-off" home run. After the Rams dropped game two 3-1 last Thursday, a night later they clinched the regional title in a 9-8 slugfest. Simpson's deep home run to right field broke an 8-8 tie in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Reno Slam

Each side had a grand slam on Friday, May 26. First, Ram Reno Jeter crunched one to right-center in the second inning. "Reno really cracked it," said Caden Davidson, who smacked three homers in the round three win. He observed how "we pick each other up" and take turns as hitting stars. Jeter, the game two starting pitcher, noted how his slam "opened up" the contest. TCR led 6-0 after two innings. Coach Filipek in the post-win huddle praised how "we put a ‘six point’ on them!"

But the Vikes got their own slam — by huge Jackson Godfrey — in the finale's next at-bat as they scored six runs to tie the game. Both teams scored in the pivotal fourth inning. The visiting Vikes got a solo homer and their first lead Friday.

But burly Ram Tyler Kytta doubled in two runs, for an 8-7 lead. The Vikes varied their pitches to him. He smashed a fastball "up and in." Both teams scored one run in the sixth inning. A Viking double tied it.

But Simpson brought teammates and home fans to their feet with his blast toward the Atlantic Ocean. Left-handed Simpson was the bookend for game one. He touched the ball to start that game as the home pitcher. He ended it in the ninth inning with his bat, walloping a pitch over the center field fence.

In the opener, East Carolina recruit Bristol Carter led off the game with a homer.The Rams prevailed to beat stingy (no walks) opposing ace Owen Simmons in game one, after the Vikings robbed them of several hits. The Viking battle cry was "Feed the Horde!" The ending was horrid for them.

‘In the Nick of Time’

The Parham brothers are TCR's midfield combo, and turn many double plays. Both pitched in the closing game on Friday. Sophomore Jake started. He is grateful that coaches "have faith in me." Senior Nick, the star shortstop, closed the game.

He followed Carson Heath, who followed C.J. Wallace and pitched one and 2/3 inning — into the sixth frame. "Release the ball with no fear — like it won't get hit," Coach Shane Galloway advised Heath when the fiery junior warmed up. Former Rosman star Galloway is TCR's pitching coach, as in the ‘17 title season.

Heath said he pitched by "instinct." In the end, "We shoved it down their throat!" Catcher Asher Ring is impressed by TCR's clutch pitching in late innings.

Once Simpson hit the go-ahead homer, Nick Parham was pumped in the home bullpen area. He jumped about, eager to go in.

In the seventh inning, he mowed down the Vikings and accented the moments with fist pumps. He fanned his only batter in the sixth and two batters in the seventh. He said that his "adrenalin" enabled him to attain extra velocity. Coach Filipek said that in pitching multiple innings, "Nick kept coming back — for you."

Heath's spectacular catch made the other out in that final Viking at-bat. He raced seemingly for a marathon distance, from second base to the right field foul barrier. Whenever Nick Parham pitches, his brother shifts from second to shortstop and Heath plays second base. Ram defense helped seal the victory.

Tags: ball, mauls, Micah, performance, Rams, sink, Sports, T2722, victory, Vikings