Edenton beats Post 11 to even series

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on July 2, 2009 1:46 PM

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EDENTON -- Wayne County Post 11 expected to play in a pitcher-friendly park Wednesday evening, but had those thoughts dashed when Edenton moved the contest to hitter-friendly Hicks Field.

The change -- along with a torrential rainstorm -- factored into Wayne County's 8-5 loss in Game 2 of the Area I East quarterfinal-round series against Post 40. The best-of-five matchup continues today at Scarborough Field. Game time is 7 p.m.

South Division champion Kinston, North Division champion Rocky Mount and Wilson seized 2-0 leads in their respective, opening-round series.

Edenton (10-7 overall) posted three first-inning runs, extended its advantage to five runs and got help from Mother Nature to stop Wayne County's ninth-inning rally. The teams played in a light rain that transformed into a downpour and the field began to puddle.

Post 11 shortstop Tyler Edwards connected on a one-out single. With two outs in the books, Cambric Moye doubled home Edwards. Pinch-hitter Robert Faucette doubled and scored Moye.

Faucette advanced to third on Scott Holloman's field as playing conditions worsened. Kevin Wise walked on a full count and Colton Fulghum reached on error, which allowed Faucette to score.

Wayne County trailed 8-5.

Josh Frederick worked the Edenton pitcher to three balls before Post 40 coach Bob Jordan exited the dugout and asked the umpires to delay the game. After a brief discussion, the teams cleared the field.

They never returned.

The Edenton Steamers of the wooden-bat Coastal Plain League had the equipment locked up and do not allow the Legion team to use the tarp. The umpires eventually called the game and assured Post 40 of at least another home playoff contest on Thursday.

While rain undoubtedly played a role, the change in venue turned beneficial for Post 40.

"I watched the way they took batting practice. I watched the way they approached it," said Post 11 coach Brad Reaves. "Our boys, when they got off the bus, they saw that 300 sign (in left) and that 298 sign (in right) and their eyes lit up."

The 350-foot center field wall also beckoned.

Reaves predicted that the great majority of his team's outs would be in the air, and he was not wrong. Only four of the 19 outs were groundouts.

Edenton, on the other hand, hit five doubles, including two off the wall. Most of Post 40's outs did come off ground balls.

Post 11 hurler Zack Mozingo got into trouble in the first inning and never found his rhythm. He permitted nine hits and two walks in a four-inning appearance.

"His location was not very good," said Reaves. "But he was due one. Zack's had a great year. He had a great year in high school and for us. But there were some plays we should have made. We drifted after some balls when we should have gone back and found the fence.

"When we jump and the ball hits the bottom of the fence, we've got to catch that kind."

The teams had 12 hits apiece.