By Eric R. Wallace

COVINGTON - Plain and simple, the Salem Seminoles rocked the Eastside Eagles, 12-2, in region play Monday at Eagle Field.

The Seminole bats punished the opposing pitching with an onslaught of 14 hits, while their pitching staff held the Eagles to just four hits throughout the game.

Eastside (4-10 overall, 4-8 Region 8-AAAA South) struck first in the opening inning. Center fielder Jared Trust doubled and then eventually scored after Eastside right fielder Tim Roton hit a scorcher to second, reaching safely with an RBI single.

But it was all Salem (12-2, 10-2) until Joey Bruce delivered in the fourth with an RBI double to the left-center gap, scoring courtesy runner Rashad Benton to give the Eagles their final run, making it 9-2.

"We didn't make the plays in the field and we didn't connect at the plate," said Eastside coach Michael Poor. "I'm not taking anything from Salem. They're a good team, and you can't make too many mistakes on a good team."

Salem's hitting was consistent and timely throughout the entire game, which led to the victory.

Drew Dentler led the way with a two-run homer in the fourth to take the wind from under the Eagles' wings.

"We hit the ball very well today," said Seminoles coach Chris Davis. "I'm very proud of our guys today. I'm glad to see them picking the right pitches to swing at, (and) I'm proud of the pitches they are picking to swing at."

The Seminole pitching was just as damaging as their bats were with senior pitcher Jake Dyer starting and lasting five strong innings.

"The pitchers are doing good," Davis said. "They're keeping the ball down and throwing strikes; that's all I can ask of them."

The Eagles went three up and three down to end the game, letting the Seminoles escape with yet another impressive region victory.

Eastside will next host Loganville at 5:30 p.m. today.