Post 43 defeats Post 39 3-1 in the battle of Pitt and Lenoir Counties
The summer legion baseball season has proven to be a journey of growth and grit for Post 43 team. Despite an overall record of 6-10, the team's recent 3-1 victory against Pitt County Legion has underscored their ability to compete with the best, largely thanks to a full team effort.
"Burress gave us a really good chance to be competitive on the mound, and staying in the ballgame was a big key," Coach Eason said. Braden Burress was the starting pitcher from Greene Central and an ECU commit for shortstop, showcased his talent on the mound by holding the opposition to just one run over five innings, striking out eight in the process.
Even players who didn't have productive at-bats contributed significantly by working the counts and putting up a tough fight. Rising South Lenoir freshman Reed Davis came off the bench later in the game to make two big hits, changing the dynamic of the team's competition. The game-turning moment, however, was when Drew Sweet hit the go-ahead home run in the top of the 8th inning.
When asked about the rivalry between the two counties, Eason acknowledges some competitive history. "It seems like the last 4-6 years, we have always met each other come playoff time," he said. This familiarity and friendly competition serve as a motivating factor for both teams.
On the team's performance this season, Eason reflects, "With our youth and a lot of guys adjusting to new positions, I think we have had to expect some growing pains." He believes the team's record doesn't necessarily represent how talented they are or how much they've grown. Their recent victory, he hopes, will serve as a confidence boost rolling into the playoff season.
For his part, Braden Burress is proud of his pitching performance and the team's engagement throughout the game. "I felt like I threw a good 5 innings and Eli did a great job the last three innings. The team stayed engaged all 8 innings and had good at bats all game," he said.
Despite both teams showcasing strength on the mound, Post 43 18O managed to secure the victory, with the game-changing moment occurring in the top of the eighth when Drew Sweet hit a two-run homer to left field.
The match was a tense affair with both teams showing strong performances on the mound. Post 39’s starting pitcher Luke Lambert went seven and a third innings, giving up three runs on three hits, striking out 11 and walking three. In relieve, Post 43 brought in North Lenoir’s dart thrower Eli Kearney. He pitched three scoreless innings in relief, giving up one hit, striking out two and walking none.
Sweet and Davis led Post 43’s offense with two hits each. Sweet, batting in the 3-hole, led the team with three runs batted in, while Isaiah Abrams led Post 39 with three hits in four at-bats.
Post 43 will aim to carry their newfound momentum into their next game at Durham Legion on Wednesday.
