Union Middle School trounced the Hobbton Middle’s Wildcats 13-0 in 4 and 1/2 innings Monday night in the first game of the 2009 Sampson County Baseball Roundup.

Justin Kornegay was the winning pitcher for the Union Spartans. He pitched all 5 innings and only gave up 2 hits. He had no walks.

Kornegay only allowed one Hobbton Wildcat base runner to reach third base. Though Kornegay had not started a game this year, his coach Eddie Bass said he felt good with his bullpen pick.

“I told him he could start today as long as he threw strikes and didn’t get into trouble. I never even considered taking him out. He did a great job. No walks and only 3 base runners in 5 innings is excellent.”

The key to winning the game, said Bass, was a hit in the fourth inning. “(It) was a 2-out bases-loaded single by Tim Hyde to knock in two runs.”

The next game for Union Middle School is Wednesday against the undefeated Midway Raiders, the regular season champs. Game time is 4 p.m. at Sampson Middle School.

“As their record shows,” said Bass, “they are the best team in our conference. I know we need to play the best we can and get some breaks but my boys are looking forward to Wednesday’s game.”