Wayne County Pirates emerge Gold Division 12 runners-up
By From staff reports
Published in Sports on August 17, 2011 1:47 PM
PRINCETON -- Talented players have started their careers on the Little Tar Heel League baseball diamond located in this rural town located just outside Wayne County.
Nearly 200 players on 14 teams battled this past weekend to determine 10-Under and 12U champions in the inaugural "Back to School Bash" tournament, which was organized by Chris Sullivan, director of Princeton Little League Baseball.
Justin Willoughby, a Princeton High graduate and former member of the Atlanta Braves organization, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Hollie Heller from Princeton Elementary School belted out the national anthem, and Pastor Ramon Mizzle from Princeton Church of God delivered the invocation.
Once the festivities concluded, the three-day event began.
The Carolina A's emerged the 10U champions with a perfect 4-0 worksheet which included triumphs over the Wilson County Tigers, Wayne Christian and Wayne County Pirates.
The Pirates ended up second, followed by the Wayne County Titans. The Tigers, Princeton Bulldogs and Wayne Christian rounded out the six-team field.
Pitt County defeated Kinston 8-5 to win the 12U Silver championship.
In 12U Gold action, Cleveland bolted to a 9-0 lead only to see Wayne County Pirates close the gap to 9-6. The Indians held on for the title.
The Wayne County Pirates 11U claimed third with a 3-2, defense-filled conquest of Kenly. Pitt County secured fourth place, followed by Kinston, Princeton and Northwest.
Sullivan thanked the sponsors for their support, applauded the volunteers' tireless efforts and congratulated the teams which helped make the first-ever event "a huge success."