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LASKER – Ridgecroft School used one strong inning to roll past Bethel Assembly Christian Academy, 15-0, here Tuesday where the Rams repeated as champions of the annual Sgt. Will McLawhorn Memorial Scholarship Baseball Tournament.

The Rams, who improved to 10-6 overall, defeated Columbia, 7-1, in Monday’s opening round to advance to the championship game. BACA won their opening round game, 5-1, vs. Northeast Academy.

After going down in order in their first at-bat, Ridgecroft’s offense sprang the life in the bottom of the second. There, the Rams paraded 16 batters to the plate with a dozen finding their way home for a commanding 12-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Lucas Cutchins was in control on the mound for Ridgecroft. The left-hander worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the top of the first. He allowed no hits in three innings of work, walking two and fanning three.

As things turned out, Cutchins got all of the run support he needed when Noah Williams drew a bases loaded walk to score the Rams first run of the game in the bottom of the second. But the Rams were far from finished in that pivotal at-bat.

Trace Farmer made it a 2-0 game when his bases-loaded walk scored Javieon Lyles-Askew, who had reached on a walk. One-out later and the bases still loaded, Ben Francis was hit by a pitch, scoring Jay Gaston who had reached after being hit by a pitch.

An errant pick-off throw by the Eagles was followed by another throwing error, allowing Ridgecroft to clear the bases as Williams, Farmer, and Francis all scored, extending Ridgecroft’s lead to 6-0.

Cutchins then drew a walk, stole second and third, and easily scored when Landon Woodard laced an RBI single up the middle. Woodard stole second and third followed by a walk and a stolen base by Dawson Collins, who was batting for the second time in the inning. That set the table for Lyles-Askew who slapped a two-RBI double to the gap in right-centerfield.

Gaston’s second plate appearance of the inning was identical to his first – being hit by a pitch. Both he and Lyles-Askew advanced one base on a wild pitch. Lyles-Askew scored on an RBI groundout by Williams. After a walk to Farmer, both he and Gaston scored to make it a 12-0 lead thanks to a two-RBI double by Ashton Odom.

Ridgecroft ended the game due to the mercy rule by scoring three runs in the bottom of the third. There, Cutchins walked, stole second and scored on Woodard’s RBI single. Woodard swiped second and scored on an RBI double by Collins. Two batters later, Collins, who had advanced to third on a passed ball, ended the game by scoring on an RBI groundout by Williams.

Ridgecroft finished with only six hits, three for extra bases, but took advantage of eight stolen bases, seven walks, four batters struck by pitches, and three errors to produce offense. Collins (2-for-2) and Woodard (2-for-3) were the Rams top hitters.

The tournament, traditionally held during the Easter break from school, is held in memory of the late Sgt. Will McLawhorn, a Northeast Academy graduate who was killed in action in 2010 while serving in the U.S. Army stationed in Afghanistan. McLawhorn played baseball and basketball at Northeast, graduating in 2005. He joined the military one year later.

“Sure, the win is nice for my guys, but the best part of this tournament is paying respect to the McLawhorn family,” said Ridgecroft head coach Billy Jenkins.

The highlight of the tournament is awarding scholarships to the players. This year, six scholarships, each for $1,000, were awarded. The recipients were Deashawn Daye and Eli Thomas of Northeast Academy, Tyler Berryman and Trace Farmer of Ridgecroft School, and McKinley Conner and Caleb Morris of Bethel Assembly Christian Academy.

Through the support of sponsors, the community, and parents of participating students, the tournament has awarded 55 scholarships totaling $37,000 over the course of its 14-year history.

“Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners. Each of these young men did an excellent job with their essays and are worthy recipients of the award,” said Rev. Willie McLawhorn, Will’s father.

Rev. McLawhorn also gave special thanks to the host team – Northeast Academy, whose players, for the first time ever, wore special jerseys – each bearing the number 13 (Will’s number in high school). Each of the jerseys bore the name McLawhorn.

“Northeast Academy will always have a special place in our hearts,” Rev. McLawhorn stated on behalf of his family. “To John and Joella Brown, this tournament would not be a success without your input and support. Thanks to all for helping to honor Will in this manner.”