With a 5-7 record, the Red Devil Diamondmen are off to a slow start this season.

The team's biggest problem is inconsistent hitting - the Devils have scored less than six runs in six of their 12 games.

Brandon Barden and Tyler Beale have proved to be the team's only consistent hitters throughout the season, but lately, Casey Norman, Kiece Crite, and Austin Goldman have shown signs of emerging from their slumps. Designated hitter Daniel Morris has missed several games with an injured back but is expected to return soon.

Also on offense, the Devils have Alex Bradford who has been getting on base consistently and once there, is nothing short of dangerous.

The leading pitchers for the team are Austin Reed, Beale, Barden, and Dalton Tankersley.

Commenting on the Devils' defense, Coach Billy Beale said, "The defense has made some critical mistakes but overall has played pretty well. Josh Holliman is showing consistent improvement behind the plate while Trey Bailey, Tristan Wynn, and Crafton Reed have done a good job of filling in for injured players and replacing the position vacated by the pitcher."

The Red Devils launched their region schedule on Friday, March 24, with a 5-1 victory over GMC. Austin Reed came close to shutting out the Bulldogs with a three hitter.

LCHS took the lead against GMC in the fourth inning. On the heels of consecutive singles by Beale and Barden, Crite hit a run-scoring double, followed by a two-run homer hit by Hollimon to give the Devils a 4-1 lead. In the sixth inning, Barden singled, stole second and third, and scored on a throwing error by the GMC catcher.

"We played our best game of the season against GMC," stated Coach Beale. "It was a big victory for us - it was a region win and a huge boost to our confidence. The bottom of the order picked us up."

The Red Devils' next home game will be played against WashingtonWilkes on Friday, March 31, at the Curry Colvin Recreation Complex. Game time is 4:30 p.m. Admission is $4.