Despite loss, Eagles' coach upbeat

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 13, 2015 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

WILSON -- Most coaches -- in any sport -- aren't prepared for that final post-game talk when their season comes to an end.

Wayne Christian's Curt Hinton wasn't any different Tuesday evening.

He removed his hat and scratched his head. Some players took one knee, while others sat in the dew-covered grass waiting to hear what their coach had to say.

Hinton tipped his hat to Greenfield.

The Knights capitalized on the Eagles' miscues and claimed a 13-3, six-inning mercy-rule in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-A final four contested at historic Fleming Stadium.

But Hinton refused to let the loss overshadow the entire season.

He applauded the seniors -- Tanner Rose, Tyler Mozingo, Austin Howell, Brandon Price, his son Trey, Ryan Kennedy and utility player Nick Easom -- for showing leadership on the team. Each played their own part in helping the Eagles continue to build on a decade-long tradition, which has established Wayne Christian as the premier program in Carolina Christian 1-A Conference play.

Wayne Christian (13-7 overall) reached the final four for the first time since 2010, and has won 10 games in 12 playoff appearances in program history.

While the praise might not have made an immediate impression on the team, the emotions flowed after the team's final huddle. Each took player and coach took off their hat, put it in the center of the group, bowed their heads for a short prayer and then shouted "1-2-3 Eagles!" one last time.

"Greenfield, hat's off to them, they could beat a lot of bigger schools and some of these guys will probably play minor league ball because of the scouts that were out here," Hinton said.

"I told the guys not to hang their head, they were playing a very good team. I'm proud of what they've done. We've beaten some good teams this year, so we can know they can play.

"I'm proud of what they achieved."

Wayne Christian jumped out in front, 2-0, in the top half of the first inning. Holden Foster's lead-off walk led to the game's first run. Foster trotted home on a Greenfield outfield error.

The Knights responded with a four-run outburst. Three Eagles miscues, the most costly a two-out error, deflated Wayne Christian's spirit.

"Hard hits cause errors, and some of their hits were hard," Hinton said. "The bottom line is we could have closed the door a couple of times, but made it worse instead. When you play a good team like this, if you don't play perfect defense you're not going to win the game.

"We didn't obviously."

Greenfield tacked on two more in the second inning and continued pressure the Wayne Christian defense the remainder of the night. Eight errors led to 10 unearned runs gave the Knights (17-3) their third win over the Eagles this season.

Right-hander Ted Suggs permitted 13 hits and logged three strikeouts in his second straight start on the bump. Foster threw the final 2/3 innings when an outfield error allowed the game-ending run to score.

Howell and Brandon Price, who deposited fast ball a good 15 feet over the left-field fence, combined for three of Wayne Christian's five hits. Catcher Hunter Burt and Suggs provided one hit apiece.