The Roanoke Rapids High School Varsity Baseball team started play this week with two big wins. 

On Monday, the Yellow Jackets picked up a 9-6 non-conference win at Riverside-Martin High School in Williamston. 

Braxton Coggins started on the mound and picked up the win.  Coggins was relieved by Shep Fowler, Gannon Deberry and Jon Lewis Temple who picked up the save. 

The leading hitters for RRHS were Drew Williams (1 RBI) who picked up 3 hits, Collin Elias (3 RBI) and Wil White with 2 hits, and Austin Geary, Jon Lewis Temple, Maddox Bullock (2 RBI), Davis Liverman, and Jackson Midgette with one hit each. 

Coach Mark Snead said, "This was a good win against a tradition rich program to start the season.  We got strong pitching, defense, and hitting from our entire team."

On Tuesday, the Yellow Jackets earned an exciting 1-0 extra-inning, conference win over Franklinton at home. 

Braxton Coggins started the game and pitched 6 innings while striking out 13 batters.  Gannon Deberry picked up the win in relief as he pitched 2 shutout innings. 

After both teams had scoring opportunities thwarted by good pitching and strong defense in regulation, the Yellow Jackets earned the walk off win in the bottom of the 8th inning.  Davis Liverman led off the 8th by reaching on an error.  Then bunt singles by Matthew MacNichol and Jackson Midgette loaded the bases.  Austin Geary then lined a single to left field for the walk-off winner. 

Coach Mark Snead said, "This was a great ball game between two strong teams.  Braxton, Gannon, and Franklinton pitcher Aiden Nash all pitched tremendously well.  I am proud of how our team fought hard all night to pull out this win.  It was a total team effort."

The Yellow Jackets are 2-0 on the season and will travel to Franklinton on Thursday for their next game.