North Duplin stops Rosewood in 8 innings

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on April 12, 2013 1:47 PM

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North Duplin scored the game-winning run on an error and handed Rosewood a 2-1, eight-inning loss on Thursday evening.

The Carolina 1-A Conference baseball rivals combined for just seven hits in a classic pitcher's duel.

"We let a game get away from us in extra innings against Ayden-Grifton, so it was good to get one back." North Duplin head coach James Hobbs said. "Both starting pitchers were excellent. It was a really even game between two good teams."

The Rebels got on the scoreboard first in the second inning.

Tyler Potter struck out, but reached first base when the ball got away from the catcher. Taylan Lewis was hit by a pitch and Charlie Mac Holloman reached on an error which allowed Potter to score from second base.

Rosewood tied the game at 1-1 in the home half of the fourth inning when Bryce McKeel singled and later scored on Brent Breedlove's RBI base hit.

"There were chances in the middle innings to move guys around and score more runs," Rosewood head coach Jason King said. "We couldn't get the hit we needed at the right time and it came back to cost us late in the game."

North Duplin (10-5 overall, 3-1 CC) rallied with two outs in the top of the eighth inning. Potter drew a walk and advanced on a wild pitch. Lewis was hit by a pitch for the second time and pinch-hitter Boone McNeill bounced a ball to shortstop that was misplayed by the Eagles' defense. Potter scored to make it 2-1.

"Boone only has two varsity at-bats all season," Hobbs said. "But he has played a lot of junior varsity and hit the ball in those games. Tonight he put the ball in play and it worked out for us."

Mitchell Thigpen pitched a perfect eighth inning to earn the win on the mound. Rebels starter Cody Ivey lasted 6 1/3 innings and allowed just two hits.

Jordan Gurley took the hard-luck loss for the Eagles. Gurley pitched all eight innings and did not allow an earned run.

"Jordan probably deserved a better fate than he got," King said. "He pitched a whale of a ball game and we can't ask for any more than that."

Rosewood (4-10, 3-1) plays host to Holly Ridge Dixon on Monday. North Duplin entertains Spring Creek on Tuesday.