Local sports digest

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on April 4, 2006 2:38 PM

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Rain washes out Rebels vs. Panthers

CALYPSO -- A short, but effective 20-minute rainstorm forced the suspension of Monday afternoon's Class 1-A Carolina Conference softball contest between North Duplin and North Johnston.

The host Rebels led 5-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning when North Duplin athletics director Ken Avent Sr. walked onto the field and pointed toward a lightning-filled thunderstorm coming from the south.

The home plate umpire suspended the game just minutes before the storm hit.

A thorough soaking led to unplayable conditions, particularly in foul territory and on the grass infield. North Duplin coach Heather Best and veteran North Johnston coach George Daniels agreed to complete the suspended game when they meet again April 25 in Kenly.

"We'd just rather not risk any injuries with it being early in the conference season," said Best.

Play will resume at 5 p.m. The Rebels have the bases loaded with one out. The regularly-scheduled game will immediately follow completion of the suspended game.

Each team entered the contest unbeaten in conference play at 1-0. North Duplin is 9-1 overall, while North Johnston is 9-5.

The Panthers are the defending N.C. High School Athletic Association eastern 1-A champions.

Baseball

Faith topples

Berean

Faith Christian jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first inning and never looked back in a 13-1 win at home over Berean Christian on Monday.

The game was called after six innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

T.J. Sasser, J.K. Cozine, John Spencer, Allen Darby and Jay Hinson all had two hits each for the Conquerors (4-2), who pounded out 14 hits.

Hinson picked up the win and was one of four Faith pitchers that combined on a two-hit, 13-strikeout performance. The Conquerors also played errorless defense in the field.

Faith hosts Liberty-Durham on Thursday at 4 p.m.