Webb whiffs 12, umpire hit by foul ball in throat during Southland 2-0 win

Chris Whitaker

April 29, 2008 11:20 pm

— AMERICUS — The Southland Academy Raiders wrapped up at least the second seed in 3-AAA on Tuesday as Will Webb struck out 12 batters in a 2-0 shutout against Westfield.
Adam Fussell hit his fifth home run of the season in the third for insurance as the Raiders (12-5, 4-1) swept the season series with the Hornets (9-8, 1-4).
Southland plays for the region title on Friday when it travels to Deerfield. A win will give the Raiders the tiebreaker — whoever wins the last game is champion if the season series is tied.
The Raiders will host the first round of the GISA playoffs when they begin May 9.
“That was our immediate goal — to clinch a first round playoff spot at home,” said coach David Cochran. “Our next goal, we will do that on Friday at Deerfield. We’re fired up ready to go.”
Southland struck first in the second inning when an errant throw from a ball hit by Scott Burgess went to first base and Burgess ran into the outreached first baseman’s arm and knocked the ball loose. Fuller Timmerman, who led off the inning with a double to left center, scored on the play.
“The runner cannot run inside the line toward the grass — and some inadvertently do that — and interference can be called,” said Cochran. “But it looked like Scott ran straight down the line and go there about the time it was knocked loose. It was great hustle by Scott and good baserunning by Fuller.”
But then with runners on second and third with no outs, Westfield’s Tommy Albritton struck out the side; Albritton allowed four hits and struck out nine.
The game was delayed in the fifth after home-plate umpire Miller Rush was hit in the throat from a foul ball. He walked up the first-base side and back and then up the third-base side when he went to his knees. An ambulance was called to the school, but Rush refused treatment and walked off under his own power and left the game with his wife and son.
When play resumed, Westfield managed two hits and Southland none, but Webb and the Raiders’ defense kept the Hornets at bay.
“He’s so even-keel,” said Cochran. “I’m pretty wild-eyed at times, and I’m so glad we’ve got somebody like that who balances it out. He doesn’t let a tough break or two bother him. He wasn’t quite as sharp today, but boy did he battle through it. The last two innings he caught fire. He has tremendous heart and tremendous desire.”
Timmerman and Westfield’s John Thomas Rust each had two hits, and Tyler Brooks doubled in the game.
Friday’s game at Deerfield is set for 4:30 p.m.
COCHRAN CLEARED: David Cochran III, a freshman, was cleared Monday to resume full workouts since sustaining a stress fracture on the last play of a football game at Stratford on Oct. 19. Cochran entered the game to run out the clock as quarterback when the injury occurred.
It’s been a long road to recovery, and he’s ready to hit the field.
“It feels great knowing there’s no strings attached,” said Cochran. “There’s no pain now thank goodness, and I finally get to play again.
“The hardest part was the first week after it happened, just the pain and being home and not getting to see anybody or my friends. But I’ve had a lot of support and am blessed.”
Cochran said he learned through the process to never take life for granted.
“Bad things will happen and there will be bumps in the road,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor, a better family and better people to look out for me.”

SOUTHLAND 2, WESTFIELD 0
Westfield (9-8) 000 000 0 — 0 5 2
Southland (12-5) 011 000 x — 2 4 1
W-Webb (2-2), L-Albritton. 2B-Brooks (W), Timmerman (S). HR-Fussell (S). Multiple hits: Rust (W) 2, Timmerman (S) 2.

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