The News Reporter

District 2 AAA tourney round-up

By ALEX WILLIAMSON

Rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the teams Thursday as play began in the District 2 Dixie Youth AAA baseball tournament.

The first game of the day was kind of like the weather; sloppy, as South Columbus took an 18-3 win over Chadbourn. The day’s nightcap was much more entertaining as Bladen County National took Columbus County to extra innings before losing a heartbreaker 8-7.

South Columbus 18, Chadbourn 3

The South Columbus team used 11 first-inning walks to their advantage as they exploded for 12 runs in the first frame. They would go on to put up six in the second inning to run away in what was never a close game. The South squad was paced defensively by the arms of Daniel Sykes and Avery Norris, who allowed three runs on two hits while striking out eight in only four innings of play. Leading the offensive attack for the South team were Casey Horne, Christian Grate, and Avery Norris, all of whom had multiple hits and multiple runs scored.

The young Chadbourn team rode the arms of Harvey Lesane and Chase Molen, who allowed 18 runs on eight hits and 15 walks. The pair struck out three South Columbus batters. Houston Scott, Harvey Lesane, and Zarqeez Underwood scored the lone runs for the Chadbourn team with Underwood and Scott picking up two of the three hits for their team.

Columbus County 8, Bladen County National 7

The second game of the night turned out to be a good contest for six innings as the two teams needed seven to decide the winner Thursday night. What seemed to be a “safe” fourth-inning 4-1 lead for Columbus County proved to be too small as Bladen County National used six fifth-inning runs to take a 7-4 lead.

A resilient young Columbus County team would not be denied, though, as they fought back to bring the margin to one run in the bottom of the fifth and tie it in the bottom of the sixth. In extra innings, Columbus County proved to have that extra something that was needed as Austin Davis took base on a walk and then advanced into scoring position on a passed ball. This turned out to be the opportunity Luke Tedder was looking for as he belted a game-winning double to left field.

The Bladen National team was carried by the arm of Clay Allen as he went seven strong but came up just short picking up the loss while striking out 11 and allowing eight runs on eight Columbus County hits. The Columbus County squad used a pair of pitchers to lead the team to victory with Zack Harden starting and David Bryson coming on in relief to pick up the pitching victory. The pair allowed five hits which led to seven Bladen National runs. They struck out 10.

Opening-round action resumed Friday night with Riegelwood picking up a first-round win against Bladen American in a 14-5 outcome. The nightcap; however, much like the night before, proved to be quite the thriller as Nakina edged out Whiteville 12-11.

Riegelwood 14, Bladen American 5

Riegelwood made the most of a strong fourth inning to run away in what was up to that point a close ball game. The Riegelwood squad converted on five hits and three walks in that inning while bringing six runs across the plate to turn what was a 7-5 battle into a 13-6 comfortable lead for Riegelwood. The young Riegelwood group used the offensive abilities of Luke Applewhite, Trailon Jones, and Jamal Dumas who all contributed at least two hits and two runs scored. Bladen American was led by the bats of Justin Ruffin, Channing Horton, Cameron Winebarger, and Kevin Rice.

Picking up the pitching victory for Riegelwood was Luke Applewhite who went the distance striking out seven while allowing three hits and five runs. Shouldering the loss for Bladen American was Kevin Rice who struck out four and allowed 11 hits and 14 runs.

Nakina 12, Whiteville 11

Friday’s finale was a game characterized by big innings with Nakina scoring six runs in the third inning while Whiteville put up seven runs in their half. However, the Whiteville team was outpaced on this night as Nakina proved to have more offensive fire power using a five-run fifth inning to take a 11- 9 lead. Whiteville would battle back, though, scoring two in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 11 apiece. It would be Nakina, though, that would take the extra run necessary as Zackary Stocks crossed the plate on a Troy Nye RBI to put the Nakina team ahead for good.

Cameron Suggs and Stocks led the way defensively for Nakina as Stocks picked up the pitching victory for Nakina. The pair struck out three Whiteville batters while allowing 14 hits and 11 runs. Whiteville also used two pitchers as Cage Deal started with Daylen Hucks coming in to relieve him. Hucks picked up the loss while the two combined to strike out six Nakina batters and allowed 10 Nakina hits for 12 runs.

Reginald Frink, Jeffrey Simmons, and Zack Stocks were the offensive leaders for Nakina with Stacks scoring three runs and Frink garnering two hits. Simmons reached safely in all four at bats while scoring two runs. For Whiteville Cage Deal led the way with two hits, a run scored and two RBIs. Also contributing were Kirkland Bass, Scotty Deans, and Derrick Nobles.

Second round action began Saturday with all tournament teams competing. The day started with a 14-0 victory by Bladen National over Chadbourn. Whiteville followed in Bladen National’s footsteps by beating Bladen American 15-0. The winner’s bracket began action Saturday with a 12-1 Columbus County victory over South Columbus. In the Saturday finale Nakina also took a 12-1 victory over Riegelwood.

Bladen National 14, Chadbourn 0

Bladen National proved why many consider them one of the top contenders to win the tournament Saturday by dismantling a young Chadbourn team. They were guided by the offensive abilities of C.J. Singletary, Brett Jackson, Travis Bowen, and Owen Peavy, all of whom crossed the plate on more than one occasion. The Bladen National team rode the right arms of Riley Ransom and Travis Bowen to victory as the two combined to strike out eight while tossing a no-hitter—a feat no other team has boasted so far in the tournament. The loss eliminated Chadbourn from the tournament.

Whiteville 15, Bladen American 0

Derrick Nobles, Cage Deal, Kirkland Bass, and Brett Council led the way for the Whiteville. Nobles, who scored two runs while going 2-3, also picked up the pitching victory by striking out five Bladen American batters and allowing only three hits. Deal was 3-3 with two RBIs while both Bass and Council scored twice.

Bladen American was led by the offense of Cameron Winebarger, Trevor Lesane, and Jordan Hughes with the three picking up their team’s only hits. Winebarger took the pitching loss while striking out three and allowing nine Whiteville hits. With the loss, Bladen American was eliminated from the tournament.

Columbus County 12, South Columbus 1

Columbus County continued on their quest to win a District 2 championship by dominating a fellow opening round winner by taking a 12-1 victory over previously unbeaten South Columbus. The tough County team used 13 hits to produce their 12 runs. Dwight Gore picked up the win for the County as he went the distance, striking out seven South Columbus batters and allowed only three opposing batters to hit safely. Leading the way by picking up a good majority of those 13 hits were Luke Tedder with three hits, Dwight Gore with two hits, and Phillip Andrews also with two hits.

Picking up the loss for South Columbus was Daniel Sykes as he and Austin Erwin struck out four County batters. Garnering hits for South Columbus were Casey Horne, Christian Grate, and Conner Grainger while Daniel Sykes scored the team’s lone run.

Nakina 12, Riegelwood 1

Nakina proved to be no fluke by handily taking care of a previously unbeaten Riegelwood team by a score of 12-1. The Nakina All-Stars used seven hits in their offensive barrage. Picking up the victory for Nakina was pitcher Cameron Suggs who went all four innings while striking out seven Riegelwood players. The game was halted in the 4th inning due to the 10-run rule. Picking up the loss for Riegelwood was Kendal Patrick. Most of the Nakina hits were contributed by Jeffrey Simmons and McKenzie Chestnutt as each had two.

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By ALEX WILLIAMSON

Rain didn’t dampen the spirit of the teams Thursday as play began in the District 2 Dixie Youth AAA baseball tournament.

The first game of the day was kind of like the weather; sloppy, as South Columbus took an 18-3 win over Chadbourn. The day’s nightcap was much more entertaining as Bladen County National took Columbus County to extra innings before losing a heartbreaker 8-7.

South Columbus 18, Chadbourn 3

The South Columbus team used 11 first-inning walks to their advantage as they exploded for 12 runs in the first frame. They would go on to put up six in the second inning to run away in what was never a close game. The South squad was paced defensively by the arms of Daniel Sykes and Avery Norris, who allowed three runs on two hits while striking out eight in only four innings of play. Leading the offensive attack for the South team were Casey Horne, Christian Grate, and Avery Norris, all of whom had multiple hits and multiple runs scored.

The young Chadbourn team rode the arms of Harvey Lesane and Chase Molen, who allowed 18 runs on eight hits and 15 walks. The pair struck out three South Columbus batters. Houston Scott, Harvey Lesane, and Zarqeez Underwood scored the lone runs for the Chadbourn team with Underwood and Scott picking up two of the three hits for their team.

Columbus County 8, Bladen County National 7

The second game of the night turned out to be a good contest for six innings as the two teams needed seven to decide the winner Thursday night. What seemed to be a “safe” fourth-inning 4-1 lead for Columbus County proved to be too small as Bladen County National used six fifth-inning runs to take a 7-4 lead.

A resilient young Columbus County team would not be denied, though, as they fought back to bring the margin to one run in the bottom of the fifth and tie it in the bottom of the sixth. In extra innings, Columbus County proved to have that extra something that was needed as Austin Davis took base on a walk and then advanced into scoring position on a passed ball. This turned out to be the opportunity Luke Tedder was looking for as he belted a game-winning double to left field.

The Bladen National team was carried by the arm of Clay Allen as he went seven strong but came up just short picking up the loss while striking out 11 and allowing eight runs on eight Columbus County hits. The Columbus County squad used a pair of pitchers to lead the team to victory with Zack Harden starting and David Bryson coming on in relief to pick up the pitching victory. The pair allowed five hits which led to seven Bladen National runs. They struck out 10.

Opening-round action resumed Friday night with Riegelwood picking up a first-round win against Bladen American in a 14-5 outcome. The nightcap; however, much like the night before, proved to be quite the thriller as Nakina edged out Whiteville 12-11.

Riegelwood 14, Bladen American 5

Riegelwood made the most of a strong fourth inning to run away in what was up to that point a close ball game. The Riegelwood squad converted on five hits and three walks in that inning while bringing six runs across the plate to turn what was a 7-5 battle into a 13-6 comfortable lead for Riegelwood. The young Riegelwood group used the offensive abilities of Luke Applewhite, Trailon Jones, and Jamal Dumas who all contributed at least two hits and two runs scored. Bladen American was led by the bats of Justin Ruffin, Channing Horton, Cameron Winebarger, and Kevin Rice.

Picking up the pitching victory for Riegelwood was Luke Applewhite who went the distance striking out seven while allowing three hits and five runs. Shouldering the loss for Bladen American was Kevin Rice who struck out four and allowed 11 hits and 14 runs.

Nakina 12, Whiteville 11

Friday’s finale was a game characterized by big innings with Nakina scoring six runs in the third inning while Whiteville put up seven runs in their half. However, the Whiteville team was outpaced on this night as Nakina proved to have more offensive fire power using a five-run fifth inning to take a 11- 9 lead. Whiteville would battle back, though, scoring two in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at 11 apiece. It would be Nakina, though, that would take the extra run necessary as Zackary Stocks crossed the plate on a Troy Nye RBI to put the Nakina team ahead for good.

Cameron Suggs and Stocks led the way defensively for Nakina as Stocks picked up the pitching victory for Nakina. The pair struck out three Whiteville batters while allowing 14 hits and 11 runs. Whiteville also used two pitchers as Cage Deal started with Daylen Hucks coming in to relieve him. Hucks picked up the loss while the two combined to strike out six Nakina batters and allowed 10 Nakina hits for 12 runs.

Reginald Frink, Jeffrey Simmons, and Zack Stocks were the offensive leaders for Nakina with Stacks scoring three runs and Frink garnering two hits. Simmons reached safely in all four at bats while scoring two runs. For Whiteville Cage Deal led the way with two hits, a run scored and two RBIs. Also contributing were Kirkland Bass, Scotty Deans, and Derrick Nobles.

Second round action began Saturday with all tournament teams competing. The day started with a 14-0 victory by Bladen National over Chadbourn. Whiteville followed in Bladen National’s footsteps by beating Bladen American 15-0. The winner’s bracket began action Saturday with a 12-1 Columbus County victory over South Columbus. In the Saturday finale Nakina also took a 12-1 victory over Riegelwood.

Bladen National 14, Chadbourn 0

Bladen National proved why many consider them one of the top contenders to win the tournament Saturday by dismantling a young Chadbourn team. They were guided by the offensive abilities of C.J. Singletary, Brett Jackson, Travis Bowen, and Owen Peavy, all of whom crossed the plate on more than one occasion. The Bladen National team rode the right arms of Riley Ransom and Travis Bowen to victory as the two combined to strike out eight while tossing a no-hitter—a feat no other team has boasted so far in the tournament. The loss eliminated Chadbourn from the tournament.

Whiteville 15, Bladen American 0

Derrick Nobles, Cage Deal, Kirkland Bass, and Brett Council led the way for the Whiteville. Nobles, who scored two runs while going 2-3, also picked up the pitching victory by striking out five Bladen American batters and allowing only three hits. Deal was 3-3 with two RBIs while both Bass and Council scored twice.

Bladen American was led by the offense of Cameron Winebarger, Trevor Lesane, and Jordan Hughes with the three picking up their team’s only hits. Winebarger took the pitching loss while striking out three and allowing nine Whiteville hits. With the loss, Bladen American was eliminated from the tournament.

Columbus County 12, South Columbus 1

Columbus County continued on their quest to win a District 2 championship by dominating a fellow opening round winner by taking a 12-1 victory over previously unbeaten South Columbus. The tough County team used 13 hits to produce their 12 runs. Dwight Gore picked up the win for the County as he went the distance, striking out seven South Columbus batters and allowed only three opposing batters to hit safely. Leading the way by picking up a good majority of those 13 hits were Luke Tedder with three hits, Dwight Gore with two hits, and Phillip Andrews also with two hits.

Picking up the loss for South Columbus was Daniel Sykes as he and Austin Erwin struck out four County batters. Garnering hits for South Columbus were Casey Horne, Christian Grate, and Conner Grainger while Daniel Sykes scored the team’s lone run.

Nakina 12, Riegelwood 1

Nakina proved to be no fluke by handily taking care of a previously unbeaten Riegelwood team by a score of 12-1. The Nakina All-Stars used seven hits in their offensive barrage. Picking up the victory for Nakina was pitcher Cameron Suggs who went all four innings while striking out seven Riegelwood players. The game was halted in the 4th inning due to the 10-run rule. Picking up the loss for Riegelwood was Kendal Patrick. Most of the Nakina hits were contributed by Jeffrey Simmons and McKenzie Chestnutt as each had two.