Kinston fights back but falls short to Beddingfield

KINSTON—Opening night for the Kinston Vikings didn't go as planned. Kinston lost to Beddingfield 18-7 in six innings due to the mercy rule. The Bruins of Beddingfield were on a 37-game losing streak dating back to the 2017–2018 season.

For the first three and a half innings, it was all Beddingfield. The Bruins were ahead of Kinston 12-0, and this was when the Vikings flipped a switch. Kinston would get an infield single and then a stolen base. The bench got loud and caused some trouble for the Bruins. 

The Bruins had to go to the pen after giving up four runs. The new pitcher, Connor Lucas, struck out two before the Vikings would grab three runs off of him. Bryson Wagner came in for the Bruins to stop the bleeding. 

Andrew McLeod, Head Coach of the Vikings " I'm proud of our fight and effort. Baseball is a lot like life, with its ups and downs and adversity." 

The Bruins responded well after giving up a 7-run inning. Kinston would allow Beddingfield to score four runs to allow the Bruins to take a nine-run lead.

Kinston has a very bright spot with freshman catcher Ex'Zavion Croom. Croom was a wall behind the plate with multiple blocked balls and a beautiful fake throw to get a runner in a pickle at third.

The fourth inning would be all the scoring the Vikings would produce. Kinston will host Leajune High on Tuesday at 5 pm before traveling to Beddingfield on Thursday at 5 pm.