9U All-Stars edge Hyde County, 9-6

BELHAVEN — Competing in a tournament full of 10U squads, Chip Edward’s 9U Washington All-Stars came through Friday night with an improbable, hard-earned victory over the Pocosin All-Stars, representing Hyde and Tyrrell Counties.

With only a few practices under their belt, 11 players making up some of the best eight and nine year olds out of the Washington Cal Ripken League took to the diamond for the first time this season, eventually leaving Belhaven united with smiles across their faces.

Wearing the renowned 42, the number worn by MLB greats Mariano Rivera and Jackie Robinson, right-hander Connor Flowers got the call for Washington and kept the runs to a minimum. A leadoff single by Pocosin shortstop Josh Reynolds in the first, followed by an infield error and wild pitch, plated the first run of the game. Hyde County followed suit with another run in the second with another single by Landyn Jarvis and more sloppy play from the Washington infield.

However, on offense, the local All-Stars matched their opponent with a run in the first, generated by a Kiefer Boyd single and an RBI groundout by Evan Waters. In the second, Pocosin starter Evan Phelps began to struggle with his command, allowing a single and three walks. Washington was able to reclaim the lead heading into the third and, due to a time cap, final inning.

Again, Washington found itself staring at a deficit, as Hyde County chalked up two runs on a triple from Evan Phelps, followed by three walks.

But the undersized kids from Beaufort County would not be denied. Boyd, Connor Edwards, Waters, Reid Apple and Dawson Mitchell all found a way to get on base to initiate a big and drawn out final inning. Then, Austin Cherry stepped up and blasted an extra-base hit down the left field line, scoring two. Evan O’Neal followed with an RBI single of his own. When the dust settled, 10 of Washington’s 11 players had reached base in the inning, combining for six runs.

Finally, the umpire called the game and Washington walked off with a 9-6 victory.

Cherry finished 2-for-2 at the dish with three RBI.

 

Tough luck for the 10U All-Stars, 11-1

BELHAVEN — While the 9U team came through with a convincing win, it was a different story Friday evening for the 10U Washington All-Stars.

For Whitfield, a team representing Grimesland, great pitching and unrelenting offensive production propelled the All-Stars from Pitt County to a quick victory, as runs came at a premium for Washington.

A few early hits by Hayes Pippin and Mike Cutler gave head coach Anthony Keech’s team a one-run lead out of the gate, but from that point on, just one base runner would reach for Washington, as Whitfield starter John Hamill was dominate through three innings.

While the Washington offense was silenced, Grimesland methodically piled on the runs. Hits from Gavin Oakley, Kevin Valenzuela and Dixon Williams, along with two walks, pushed across three runs in the first inning. Sloppy defense, a walk, a hit batter and a booming RBI double from Williams plated another three for Whitfield.

Then, in the third, Grimesland broke it open with six runs on four hits, including three doubles.

Valenzuela entered the game in the fourth and final inning, shutting the door and ending Washington’s night with three strikeouts.

Williams finished 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs.