Mocksville’s offense was silenced from the second through the seventh inning in game two of a doubleheader at Randolph County on May 20. But its three-run outburst in the top of the first was enough for Landon Bandy, who delivered a sparkling outing as Mocksville prevailed 3-2 to even its record at 1-1.

“Not a bad day,” said coach Charles Kurfees, whose team had dropped 15 of 17 to Randolph before holding on in game two.

Bandy went the distance, scattering six hits and averaging 13.7 pitches per inning. The only batter who bothered him was Carson Clapp, who batted seventh as the DH. He cracked solo home runs in the second and fifth for Randolph’s only offense.

“Bandy had a great game,” Kurfees said.

Mocksville roared to a quick 3-0 lead in the top of the first. After Jamie Sheek and Drew Martin opened with back-to-back walks, Nick Ward doubled before Patrick Usher and Bandy contributed RBI ground outs.

Bandy got a little payback on Clapp in the seventh, inducing a grounder to third for the first out. Then Bandy survived a scare.  A single and walk put the tying and go-ahead runs on base – with the top of the order coming up. Bandy dug in and coaxed back-to-back ground balls to close the door.

Both teams had six hits. Mocksville got one each from Sheek (1-2, walk, HBP), Martin (1-3, walk), Ward (1-3, double, walk), Bandy (1-3), James Allred (1-3) and Michael Long (1-2).

Mocksville has suffered five straight losing seasons, but it should be more formidable in 2018. Splitting a DH with Randolph offered good vibes.

“(Randolph) will be very good,” Kurfees said. “Time will tell (for us).”