County trio will play in Impact Futures games at UNC

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on August 27, 2010 1:46 PM

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CHAPEL HILL -- It's not just a baseball game.

It's a chance to turn heads.

The invitation for the Impact Baseball Futures game, scheduled for Saturday at Boshamer Stadium on the UNC campus, is more than just an opportunity to play for Zack Mozingo, Bryant Stafford and Adam Pate.

The trio will compete in front of college scouts.

Mozingo and Stafford, rising juniors at Eastern Wayne and Charles B. Aycock, respectively, are on the 2012 Futures roster. Pate, a rising sophomore at Aycock, is on the 2013 Futures roster. The game features some of the state's best high school players and begins at noon.

Mozingo, Stafford and Pate each drew the attention of the game's organizers during the school year and by playing summer baseball. Mozingo was a key part of Wayne County Post 11's pitching staff . Stafford and Pate played for Aycock's Junior American Legion team as well as showcase ball.

Mozingo and Stafford also competed in the Powerade State Games.

"I got a letter in the mail and I figured we should sign up since we would be competing against some of the best players in the state," said Mozingo. "I'm looking forward to the competition and seeing other people my age and how I need to improve."

Mozingo went 4-7 with a 2.31 ERA for Eastern Wayne during the spring with 65 strikeouts in 662/3 innings pitched. The Warriors finished 17-11 and reached the fourth round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A playoffs.

Stafford compiled a 5-2 record with a 2.21 ERA in 12 appearances. The left-hander recorded 42 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. Aycock finished the season 22-5 and lost an opening-round NCHSAA playoff contest.

"I realized during the school season that I had to work extra hard," said Stafford. "Going into summer ball I knew I had to do the same thing."

Pate played in eight or nine showcase tournaments during the summer, including a trip to the University of South Carolina, which won the College World Series in Omaha. Those experiences helped Pate gain confidence playing in front of large crowds and college recruiters.

"It was great it was great getting to meet a lot of people and play at a high level in college ballparks," said Pate. "Being selected for a game like this gives you a lot of confidence that you can play at a higher level one day."