Fike's Prince feels like king after upset

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on May 17, 2009 2:00 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- A little-known starter smarting from a hard-luck loss, Wilson Fike hurler William Prince felt like a king Friday evening.

The diminutive right-hander threw a complete-game, one-hit gem as the Golden Demons upset Charles B. Aycock 6-0 in their opening-round, N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A baseball playoff contest.

"That was an awesome performance," said Aycock head coach Charles Davis. "All you can do is tip your hat to that young man, because he had it going tonight."

Fike raced to a 4-0 lead through 21/2 innings.

Russell Ward, Mike Brown, Mitchell Wheeler, David Gibbons and Tripp Sauls ignited the offensive outburst against Golden Falcons starter Erik DuBose. Gibbons delivered a two-RBI, third-inning double. Sauls added an RBI hit the same inning.

"I am really proud of the whole team," said Fike head coach Will Flowers. "These guys stayed focused, they played good defense and came up with hits at crucial times."

Tyler Farmer ruined Prince's no-hit bid with a third-inning single. Farmer slapped a shot up the middle that Fike shortstop Michael McLawhorn stopped, but lost his footing when he threw to first base.

Farmer just beat the throw.

Prince (4-4) finished with 13 strikeouts.

"It was a close call, and it didn't go my way," said Prince of Farmer's play. "It turned out to be the only hit, but I didn't let that play affect the rest of the game. I had been able to get my curveball over most of the game and it really helped me in the late innings

"When I threw the fastball I was able to keep the hitters off balance."

The Golden Demons (13-8 overall) added a seventh-inning run. Prince retired Aycock three straight strikeouts to cap his sterling effort and send Fike's fans into a frenzy.

Aycock concluded the season with 18 wins. It was the final contest for seniors Will Edgerton, who has signed with UNC Wilmington, and pitcher Jimmy Kearney.

"Will and Jimmy have meant a lot to this team," said Davis. "The worst part of being a coach is the day when you have to see young men play their last game for the program. Will and Jimmy are going to be successful in life and I am really proud of them."