Eastern Wayne stays in playoff chase

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on April 24, 2013 1:47 PM

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Eastern Wayne desperately wants to keep its season alive.

The Warriors scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth inning during a come-from-behind, 3-1 victory over Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference foe Triton on senior night Tuesday.

The victory kept Eastern Wayne (9-10 overall) tied with Southern Wayne and Cleveland for third place in the ECC standings at 5-6.

"This was a big win," Warriors' head coach Jabo Fulghum said. "But, the job's not over. These kids don't want to quit. They want to keep playing."

Matthew Webb's two-out RBI single in the top of the fourth inning gave the Hawks a 1-0 lead.

The Warriors (9-10, 5-6) pieced together a rally in the bottom of the fifth inning. Justin Lee and Jeremy Lancaster both provided RBI singles and Tyler Huetter raced home on a wild pitch as Eastern Wayne claimed its 3-1 lead.

Lee finished with three hits and RBI. Zack Smith and Ryan Faucette each had two hits.

"We were patient at the plate there in the fifth inning," Fulghum said. "Our concentration level at the plate has gotten a lot better. I'm proud of the kids for battling."

Eastern Wayne senior right-hander Josh Dixon surrendered one earned run on two hits, struck out four and walked two in 4 2/3 innings. He settled for the no-decision.

Faucette tossed 2 1/3 innings of no-hit relief to earn the win.

"Every time Ryan has gone out he's giving us a quality performance," Fulghum said. "He's been able to locate more. He's been a real big asset for us on the mound being able to come in to close."

Eastern Wayne entertains Greene Central in non-conference play today.