By Tray Mason

Correspondent

The Lakeland Cavaliers are on a winning streak for the first time this season, winning their second game in a row Monday versus rival King’s Fork, 7-1.

Freshman Ryan Fitzwater was lights out on the mound for the Cavaliers. He went a complete se-ven innings, allowing four hits, and walking two, while striking out nine. Fitzwater also was 2 for 4 at the plate.

The Cavs started the game fast, putting up three runs in the first inning.

A routine fly ball hit by Shane McCaw couldn’t be fielded by King’s Fork, and scored two Cavalier runners, while McCaw advanced to third.

Tyler Lilly hit a deep fly ball to left field that brought home McCaw and gave the Cavaliers a 3-0 lead. Lilly had a big day at the plate going 3 for 4 with three RBIs.

Cavaliers head coach Mark Pollick is hoping for somewhat of a turnaround during the second half of the season for a young team.

“We’re still a young team, and we’re learning as we go,” Pollick said. “But we learned so much in that first half of the season, we’re expecting a few more wins.”

Defense has been a key component in the Cavaliers’ change in play as of late. They committed their first two errors in three games on Monday.

“Our defense has been point on,” Pollick said. “The defense has been fantastic, and our pitching has been holding up well.”

Lakeland has been playing great baseball as of late, but will face stiff competition in the coming games as they begin the home stretch of this season.

They face three of the top teams in the district within the next four games. The Cavaliers travel to take on Southeastern District leader Western Branch on Friday, followed by Oscar Smith on the road.

Next week they face off against defending state champion Great Bridge, followed by rival Nansemond River, to whom they lost 3-1 in the teams’ first meeting of the season.