 |
| Riegelwood batter D’Angelo Walker connects with a pitch in Saturday’s first round of the District 2 Coach-Pitch Baseball Tournament at Harritan Field. |
 |
| Whiteville Optimist base-runner Taylor Smith (left) arrives at first base while Bladen National’s Devin Stocks goes for a high throw during Saturday’s opening-day action of the District 2 Coach-Pitch Baseball Tournament at Harritan Field. The six-team double-elimination tournament for players ages 8-and-under is scheduled to run through Wednesday or Thursday. Staff photos by Mark Gilchrist |
gains 2nd victory in
Coach-Pitch tourney
By ALEX WILLIAMSON
North Carolina Dixie Youth District 2 Coach Pitch baseball action resumed Sunday at Optimist Park’s Harritan Field, and spectators were greeted with much of the same great weather and excitement that was on display in Saturday’s opening round.
In the first game of the night, Bladen American eliminated Bladen National from further participation with a 17- 2 final in a game which was ended in the 5th inning on account of the 15 run “mercy” rule.
In Sunday’s nightcap, host Whiteville Optimist remained undefeated by winning a hard-fought contest against Riegelwood by a football-like score of 17-14. Nakina and South Columbus had second-round byes.
Tonight’s third round will have a elimination game between South Columbus and Bladen American at 6. At 7:30, Whiteville Optimist and Nakina will square off in the winner’s bracket game. Riegelwood has a third-round bye.
The double-elimination tournament will run through Wednesday or Thursday.
Bladen American 17
Bladen National 2
Bladen American proved to be too much for a resilient Bladen National team as they ran away with the game in an offensive showcase crossing the plate an astounding 17 times and hitting an even more impressive three inside-the-park home runs.
The home runs, by Miqual Spivey, Azende Willis, and Daniel Elkins, were hit consecutively in the 3rd inning. Other offensive stars for the Bladen American team were, K.J. McCall, Colby Jernigan, and John Bowen.
Picking up hits for the Bladen National squad were Donte Jones, Donald McCullen, Stephen Moore, Devan Stocks, and Justin Johnson. McCullen and Moore each scored runs as well.
Whiteville Optimist 17
Riegelwood 14
Sunday’s nightcap showcased two of the three remaining unbeaten teams in the tournament.
Big first and second innings and a little fifth-inning insurance proved to be enough for the host Whiteville team though as they took a 17-14 winner’s bracket victory over a solid Riegelwood team.
Whiteville exploded for seven runs in both the first and second innings to take an early commanding lead. However, a late Riegelwood rally kept it close. Putting in an offensive helping hand for Whiteville with 2 hits and 2 runs scored were Tailor Smith, Hunter Cartrette, and Hunter Harwood.
Also garnering multiple hits for the Whiteville All-Stars were Ryan Dudney and Turner Brown.
Contributing to the Riegelwood offensive barrage with multiple hits were Forrest Kelly, James Dubar, Jesse Morgan, and Chase Lewis. D’Angelo Walker added a home run in the fourth inning with T.H. Brown aboard.