Babe Ruth wrap-up

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on July 21, 2008 1:37 PM

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HOLLY SPRINGS -- Wayne County's run in the Eastern N.C. Babe Ruth 14-year-old state tournament came to an end Sunday afternoon.

Greenville tallied seven of the game's final eight runs and claimed an 8-2 victory. Wayne County, directed by coach Joel Barbour, finished third overall in the eight-team, double-elimination tournament.

Benito Avila paced Wayne County's offense with two hits against Greenville, which faced Lumberton today with a Southeast Regional berth on the line. Jeff Davis, Taylor Brock, Justin Barbour and Wes Stewart each contributed one hit.

Earlier Sunday, Brock pounded out three hits and drove in a run as Wayne County ousted New Bern 11-0. Bryant Stafford, Chris Dawson and Jake May provided two hits apiece.

Stafford claimed the mound win.

On Saturday, Greenville dropped Wayne County into the losers' bracket with a 4-1 win. Davis led Wayne County's offense with two hits.

Barbour's team rebounded to defeat Southwest Pitt 9-5 to stay alive. May permitted eight hits in five innings and recorded two strikeouts.

Avila paced the offense with three hits. Davis, Brock (RBI), Barbour (four RBI) and Dawson (RBI) supplied two hits apiece.

Softball

Wayne 8Us finished

WILSON -- Mackenzie Wheeler cranked out two hits, but it wasn't enough as Florida state runner-up MSA Explosion toppped Wayne County 10-3 in elimination-round play in the Babe Ruth Softball 8U Southeast Regional.

Wayne County placed third in the 10-team event contested on the Toisnot Park diamonds.

Wheeler and Haley Brogden (1-for-3) were named co-defensive players for the game. Connor Vinson, Haley Thurston and Cassandra Lassiter each batted 1-for-3.

After suffering an opening-round loss on Thursday, Wayne County charged through the consolation bracket. Wheeler delivered a 4-for-4, four-RBI performance in a 16-9 rout of MC Storm (Tenn.)

Teammates Cara Lenzi (RBI), Hannah Vinson (RBI) and Makayla Pelt (RBI) pounded out three hits apiece. Wheeler and Vinson shared offensive player of the game accolades.

Connor Vinson and Brogden each batted 2-for-4. Brogden doubled and collected four RBI. Alaysha Warren, Carrie Ann Beckert, Lassiter, Haley Thurston (RBI) and Payton Lane also contributed to the win.

In a matchup of North Carolina state champions, Wayne County knocked off western title-holder North Buncombe County 5-0. Connor Vinson (RBI) and Wheeler emerged the offensive leaders with two hits apiece.

Beckert, Lassiter, Brogden (two RBI), Thurston and Hannah Vinson each had one hit.

Dixie Youth

Wayne County wins

SOUTHPORT -- The Wayne County Dixie Youth 14U baseball team opened Eastern N.C. State tournament play with a 5-4, comeback win over Bladen County.

Lamar Holmes started the game on the mound and pitched 4 2/3 innings, but did not record a decision. Cody Neal pitched two innings and earned the win.

Thomas Kelley and J.T. Fields each had multiple hits for Wayne County in the victory.

Wayne County faces Pender County at 7 p.m. today.