Porcupines unveil Bryce’s bullpen, split home double-header with Moonshiners

The Pineville Porcupines played their first double-header of the year Friday at Jack D. Hughes Memorial Park, opposing the Wilkes County Moonshiners.

After losing the first game of the afternoon by a score of 7-2, the Porcupines found themselves searching for extra motivation before the night cap.

That motivation came in the form of an honored guest, Bryce Bailey. Bryce threw out the first pitch ahead of Game 2 while also getting a look at “Bryce’s Bullpen," a new addition to Jack D. Hughes Memorial Park, which hopes to bring autism awareness to the masses.

Following the intermission, Pineville got to work quickly, plating center fielder Riley Stiles for the first run of the game in the bottom of the first inning.

Then, the Porcupines would tack on three more runs in the third inning behind catcher Brody Sanders, who was the only Porcupine to produce a multi-hit game.

Porcupines infielder Alex Lerch #6

Although a late rally from the Moonshiners would make things close, it was right-hander Parker Shipman who came on to get a three-inning save, stranding the tying runner on third base in the final frame and preserving a 4-3 Porcupines victory.

With the win, Pineville evened up the season series against the Moonshiners at two games apiece and improved their overall record to 4-3.

Looking ahead to Pineville’s next home game, they’ll host the Lake Norman Harbor Hippos Tuesday, who currently lead the Mountain Division with an impressive 5-1record.