Moye's timely hit helps Post 11

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on July 16, 2008 1:46 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- A slight adjustment during batting practice paid off for Cambric Moye on Tuesday evening.

And the clutch base knock proved critical for Wayne County Post 11.

Moye delivered a pinch-hit, two-RBI single in the eighth inning as Wayne County prevailed 7-3 over Pitt County Post 39 in the opening game of their semifinal-round series in the Area I East Division playoffs.

The teams continue play today at Pitt Community College. Game time is 7 p.m. on the Minges-Overton Baseball Complex diamond.

"You're thankful for any win," said Post 11 head coach Brad Reaves.

Clinging to a two-run lead, Wayne County (17-4 overall) started the eighth-inning rally on Thomas Pilkington's lead-off walk. Nolan Lancaster moved Pilkington into scoring position with a sacrifice bunt.

Pilkington advanced to third on Adron Hollowell's third base hit of the night, which set the table for Moye. The Eastern Wayne standout laced a one-strike single into right field to pad Wayne County's advantage to four runs.

"Cambric was so good the last game," said Reaves. "He was getting on his front foot just a little bit and we worked on it a little bit two BPs ago, and he's back to his old self."

Moye has 11 RBI on the season.

Wayne County, the reigning Area I East champion, seized a 4-0 lead through three innings. John Wooten, who just missed hitting for the cycle, and Jay Rose each provided a first-inning RBI hit.

An outfield error allowed Hollowell to score in the second inning and Wooten mashed a lead-off homer in the third inning. Wooten collected his eighth round-tripper of the season, ended the night 4-for-4 which included two singles and a triple.

Pitt County (15-8) climbed within 4-3 during the middle innings.

Lead-off batter Josh Hudson spoiled Michael Douglas' shutout bid with a one-out, RBI single in the fourth inning. Two infield errors on routine ground balls enabled Post 39 to score twice in the fifth.

"They're high school kids and they're a couple of college kids out there who are going to make errors, but they've got to be ready to make the next play," said Reaves.

Pitt County stayed within striking distance by turning a sixth-inning triple play and an eighth-inning double play. But Douglas (5-2) refused to cave in and finished with a six-hitter in six innings of work. The right-hander permitted three unearned runs and logged six strikeouts.

Douglas and reliever Jesse Randolph combined to retire 13 of the final 15 batters they faced together. Randolph threw a perfect seventh and eighth inning before giving up a lead-off single in the ninth.

"Michael grinded it out and is not a shut-down guy, but he does make big pitches at big times," said Reaves. "I thought Michael and Jesse ... both of them were great. Michael gives up one run if we don't kick it around the yard."

Wayne County captured its 17th playoff victory in its last 19 tries, and owns an 11-0 record against Area I East opposition during that stretch. Pitt County suffered its first postseason defeat after sweeping North Division runner-up Wilson Post 13 in the opening round.

"This is going to be a good series and it will," said Reaves. "We're two very even teams."