GAINESVILLE — North Hall’s Josh Haymore didn’t mind being moved out of the lead-off position midway through the season, but since his reinsertion to the top of the lineup, the senior center fielder has been on a roll.

In North Hall’s three victories last week, Haymore went 6-for-8 with a double, triple, seven runs scored, five stolen bases and two RBIs.

“(Haymore) has been coming on as of late and I felt like it was his time,” North Hall coach Trent Mongero said of why he put Haymore back atop the lineup. “He’s been a catalyst in the last week and created a spark for our offense.”

The big win last week came against Gilmer on Wednesday night.

The Bobcats entered the game riding a nine-game winning streak and undefeated in Region 7-AAA.

North Hall ended that winning streak with an 11-2 drubbing of the Bobcats, and in doing so the Trojans kept themselves tied for third-place in Region 7-AAA with Flowery Branch.

Haymore played an integral role in the 11 runs that the Trojans scored against Gilmer that night, including starting the game with a triple to deep right field that helped North Hall jump out to a quick 3-0 lead on Gilmer.

“I know that I have to set the tone for our offense and try and get on base for our No.3, 4 and 5 hitters,” Haymore said.

When he wasn’t hitting triples, the speedy Haymore still found a way to get into scoring position for the hitters behind him.

After singling to right field in the fourth inning against Gilmer, Haymore stole second and third base, which allowed him to score easily on an error by Gilmer later in the inning.

Stealing bases is what Haymore does. And while stealing second and third base are the norm, Haymore successfully stole home during the third inning of the Trojans’ 7-2 win against West Hall on March 24.
“I love stealing home,” said Haymore, who stole home four times in 2007. “I try and do it when I know we need a key run.”

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior capped off the week with another big game Friday night against Pickens.

The Trojans won 15-5 and like in previous games, that large run total started at the top of the lineup with Haymore.

Against Pickens, Haymore went 3-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and three runs scored.