THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 4, 1996 TAG: 9606040461
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 52 lines
When Nansemond River baseball player Grayson Craun suffered a sprained ankle in practice two weeks ago, the Warriors' postseason hopes seemed to dim.
Nansemond River had qualified for the Group AA, Region I tournament by winning the Bay Rivers District regular season title, but Craun had been the catalyst, with a 6-1 record and a 1.26 ERA as a pitcher and a .308 batting average.
``It's kind of like a bad luck feeling,'' senior shortstop J.C. Caperton said of the team's mood a day after the injury.
Said a dejected coach Phil Braswell, ``It's going to be tough.''
Enter pitchers Chip Runyon and Cody Flowers.
Runyon, a sophomore, started Thursday in a region semifinal against Park View, scattering three hits and striking out 11 in a complete game 4-2 victory.
The next day Flowers, a junior in only his second career start, also pitched a complete game, giving up just four hits in Nansemond River's 9-3 win over York for the Warriors' second straight Region I title.
``It was gut-checking time for us and somebody had to step up and both boys did,'' said Braswell, whose team is scheduled to host Western Albemarle tonight at 7 in a state quarterfinal. ``We were a little concerned, but we had to do it without (Craun).''
Runyon and Flowers said losing Craun was disappointing, but each tried not to think about the pressure.
``We were really let down when Grayson got hurt,'' said Flowers, who kept York on its heels using an array of off-speed pitches. ``I knew we were losing a good ballplayer, but we felt we could do it.''
Added Runyon, a power pitcher who was clocked at 84 mph against Park View: ``I still had confidence in myself. That showed the guys we're a team and we can play when we're a little down.''
Craun, who has a career record of 19-1, could return for the game against Western Albermarle. He was scheduled to get clearance to play from his doctor on Monday, but Braswell said he wouldn't decide on his starting pitcher until game time.
``Grayson is our go-to guy, no matter what, under normal circumstances,'' Braswell said. ``But because he may not go, we'll have a decision to make. I know Grayson will say he's ready to play. That's the way he is. If he had one leg he'd try to convince me he could play.''
If Craun returns, don't expect to hear any complaints from Runyon or Flowers.
``I hope Grayson's back,'' said Flowers, ``Then we'll have all the weapons. But if coach gives me the call, I'll be ready to pitch.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Cody Flowers left, threw a 4-hitter and Chip Runyon, right, had a
3-hit, 11-strikeout effort in the playoffs. by CNB