ND-Lakewood

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on April 1, 2010 1:46 PM

• Print
• Email

CALYPSO -- It's often the little things that separate successful teams from those that struggle.

North Duplin's learning experience on the importance of fundamentals continued with an 11-1 loss in 41/2 innings against Lakewood on Wednesday evening.

The Rebels struggled to make routine defensive plays, make smart decisions on the basepaths and stay aggressive at the plate.

Playing as the home team, the Leopards scored five runs on two hits, three wild pitches and a hit batter.

North Duplin's Angelica Favela scored on an error in the top of the second to cut the lead to 5-1.

Lakewood pushed across five more runs in the bottom of the second. The Leopards capitalized on four more hits, two walks, an error, a wild pitch and two passed balls.

"There's simple stuff, fundamental things that we're just not quite cueing in on," said Rebels head coach Heather Best. "It's just going to take a lot more practice and a lot more hard work. We'll get better. Right now it's the little things. We've got to iron those out."

Lakewood's Zanna Faircloth scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the fourth.

Favela and Tearra Ammons both collected two hits for North Duplin. Ammons was picked off third base twice to end scoring opportunities.

"We made some major mistakes at some crucial times with our base running," said Best. "I don't think it cost us the game, but it cost us the five innings."

Ansley Hill took the loss in the pitcher's circle, allowing 10 runs (seven earned) on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts in two innings of work.

The Rebels (1-6 overall) visit Ayden-Grifton on April 13.