Wingmen Triumph in Home Opener
Photo Cred: Gannonball Media Company
KINSTON, N.C. — The Kinston Wingmen continued their winning streak on Thursday night, securing a 6-3 victory over the Brunswick Surfin’ Turfs in their home opener. The Wingmen, now 3-0 for the season, stole the lead late in the game, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The game was tied at three in the bottom of the seventh when Logan Merritt, a standout from Rosewood High School and Lenoir Community College, singled on a 1-0 count, scoring the go-ahead run. The Wingmen had opened up the scoring in the second inning when Bryce Stanton singled on the first pitch off the at-bat, bringing in a run.
On the mound for the Wingmen was Campbell commit Luke Cannon, who pitched three innings, allowing just one hit and zero runs while striking out one. Landon Smith provided relief out of the bullpen, throwing for one inning.
Dylan Noce was the starting pitcher for the Surfin’ Turfs. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits over five innings, striking out six and walking one. Ryan Ford and Cale Beckman provided relief from the bullpen.
Mount Olive commit Brian Robertson started the game for the Wingmen, surrendering three runs on six hits over five innings, striking out six.
The Wingmen's offense was on point, tallying nine hits. Carter Starkweather and Spence Carswell, both from Lenoir Community College, collected multiple hits for the Wingmen. The team's fielding was equally impressive, with no errors committed. Stanton had the most chances in the field with seven.
Kody Hanna led the Surfin’ Turfs with two hits in five at-bats.
"They played well tonight," said Wingmen head coach Jackson Massey. "Caught a few unlucky breaks on the defensive end. Brian Robertson did a great job on the mound and Luke Cannon did a great job behind him. Logan Merritt and Carter Starkweather had great nights at the plate. It’s been a great start to the year. The guys enjoy being around each other and have a lot of fun playing the game. We have a tough group of kids and hopefully we can keep the momentum going."
The Kinston Wingmen, the newest addition to the Old North State League, have made an impressive 3-0 start to their inaugural season. With a strong roster boasting local talent and promising players from top-tier baseball programs, the team is ready to make their mark on the league.
