Wayne North wins in Ham's debut as head coach

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 5, 2011 1:51 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- Wayne North jumped in front just seconds into the ballgame and rallied past Charles B. Aycock 7-3 on the Junior American Legion baseball scene on Friday night.

Following an extended run in the state playoffs by Eastern Wayne High School, Wayne North seemed to carry the momentum into its season-opening, summer contest.

"We are a little behind because of the high school season, but we had a few good days of practice," said Wayne North head coach Tyler Ham. "I was pleased with how we played tonight against a very solid C.B. Aycock team."

Wayne North (1-0 overall) scored one run in the top of the first without the benefit of a base hit. Jake May drew a walk and advanced when Jeremy Lancaster reached on an error. Nolan James plated May with a productive groundout.

Wayne North broke the game open in the second inning.

May led off with a walk and moved into scoring position on a single by Lancaster. James followed with a walk and Ryan Faucette plated three runs with a base hit that was mishandled in the C.B. Aycock outfield.

Josh Dixon scored Faucette with an RBI single to make the game 5-0.

"We pitched behind in the count pretty much all night," said C.B. Aycock head coach Nelson Cunningham. "When you get down in the count, you have to throw fastballs and good hitters are going to make you pay."

The visitors added two insurance runs in the fifth inning when Faucette plated James with a base hit and Tyler Huetter followed with an RBI single.

Down 7-0, C.B. Aycock scratched on the scoreboard in the sixth inning.

Tim Naughton led off with a single and was followed by a double off the bat of Justin Barbour. Ryan Grant reached on an error to load the bases and Rider Gardner laced a three-run double into left-center field.

James earned the win on the pitcher's mound for Wayne North with six innings of five-hit baseball. Brandon Johnson tossed a flawless seventh inning in relief.

Wayne North (1-0 overall) entertained Spring Creek on Saturday. C.B. Aycock (5-2 overall) plays host to Wilson Blue today at 2 p.m.