HAMPSTEAD - Six errors became a major factor for the East Columbus Gators Friday in a 6-1 non-conference loss to the host Topsail High School Pirates.

Topsail pitcher Thomas Jones limited the Gators to six hits and Dan Redinger hit a key double and scored four of the Pirate runs.

Losing pitcher Caleb Andrews knocked a pair of doubles for Coach Karl Bracey’s Gators, whose season record fell to 3-2. Alex Williamson also doubled while Demetrice McKelvie, Forrest Steed and Alan Bracey had one hit each.

East Columbus got its lone run in the fourth inning when Andrews doubled home McKelvie.

Chad Malpass and B.J. Patrick pitched in relief for the Gators.

“The errors really affected us,” Bracey said. “We went against a good pitcher today and hit the ball well at times.

“We just need to work at getting better,” Bracey continued. “We have a good group of players, and I feel like we’ll be okay once we start our conference games.”

East Columbus will travel to play West Bladen on Thursday and will entertain Topsail on Friday.

Andrews, Malpass (6), Patrick (7) and Malpass, Williamson (6), Malpass (7).