LEGION BASEBALL: WC Post 11 turns back Kinston Post 43

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on June 8, 2018 5:51 AM

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By AVIEL SMOLKA

asmolka@newsargus.com

There is no love lost between Area I East rivals Wayne County Post 11 and Kinston Post 43.

The long-time foes played an intense game Thursday night, where Wayne County ran away with a 10-3 victory, Wayne County is now 6-1 overall and 1-0 in the division.

Starting its seventh different starting, Wayne County used its versatility to keep Kinston uncomfortable.

"We are always able to roll out a good lineup, no matter who's in," Post 11 head coach Adam Pate said.

Wayne County got off to rocky start.

Luke Frederick gave up a two-run home run in the first inning giving Kinston a quick 2-0 lead.

"I left one right down the middle, so I expected something to come out of it," Frederick said. "It wasn't a big deal, we came back and won. Coach has been telling me for two weeks I was pitching tonight so I was prepared."

It took some time for Wayne County to answer.

In the bottom of the first with runners on second and third base, Jack Casbarro tried to steal home but was thrown out to end the inning.

"Each inning we had guys on base and threatening to score," said Pate, whose team left seven men on base and hit 5-for-20 with runners in scoring position.

"In fourth it finally started clicking."

Kinston increased its lead to 3-0 after a Wayne County error.

"Kinston is good team they have some really talented ball players," Pate said.

In the bottom of the second, Wayne County had runners on second and third when Blake Dilda hit a two-RBI triple to cut Kinston's lead to 3-2.

On a controversial play, Dilda was called out when trying to steal home.

"I thought it was balk, but when something gets taken away from you it's frustrating," Pate said.

Case Kermode hit a RBI single that tied the game at 3-3.

Wayne County took a 4-3 lead when Aryc Chrisman hit a home run. Will Uzzell hit a two-RBI double with the bases loaded to extend Post 11's lead to 6-3.

Carson Smitherman hit a two-RBI double to make it 8-3. Christian Yarbrough added an RBI single to push the advantage to 9-3.

"Whenever you get a big hit like that it starts a rally of runs and hits," Chrisman said. "It really put a spark in us."

Frederick recovered from his rough start and threw five strikeouts in four innings. When Kinston was threatening to come back, Johnathan Peacock threw 2 strikeouts to end the sixth. Landon Ginn closed out the game with a scoreless seventh.

"We try to keep playing," Pate said. "it sounds simple, but if you know you have seven innings and you know how good you are that's where confidence starts to build from one person to the next."