Woodington Raiders Flash Early-Season Firepower With 3-1 Start
Woodington Raiders Flash Early-Season Firepower With 3-1 Start
Submitted by: Coach Anthony Sumner
SNOW HILL – The Woodington Raiders have kicked off their 2025 baseball season with a statement, racking up three dominant wins before dropping a hard-fought battle to Greene Middle School.
Behind a potent lineup and aggressive base-running, the Raiders outscored opponents 35-4 through their first three games, including back-to-back mercy-rule wins.
Raiders explode for 15-0 win over Bethel Christian Academy
Woodington opened the season with an offensive onslaught, piling up eight runs in the first inning en route to a 15-0 shutout of Bethel Christian Academy on Tuesday. The Raiders sent a message early with a parade of hits that included RBI knocks from Jonas Joyner, Richie Racobaldo, Cannon Sumner, Daelin Tyndall, Landen Coples, and Jacob Burkett.
Burkett was equally dominant on the mound, allowing just one hit over three innings while striking out five. Joyner and Burkett each collected two hits and three RBIs. As a team, Woodington swiped 14 bases and played error-free defense.
Second-inning surge powers 14-1 win over Contentnea Savannah School
Two days later, the Raiders replicated their formula with an eight-run second inning to take down Contentnea Savannah School, 14-1. Joyner doubled and drove in three runs, while Burkett added a two-RBI single. McLawhorn earned the win, striking out seven in four innings of work.
The top of the lineup stayed hot as Joyner, Jackson Taylor, and Burkett each had multi-hit efforts. The Raiders showcased plate discipline as well, drawing 10 walks and stealing 11 bases.
Sumner, Joyner lead Raiders to 6-3 win over Arendell Parrott Academy
In their home opener Monday, Cannon Sumner shined with a 3-for-3 performance, including the go-ahead RBI in the fifth inning as Woodington edged Arendell Parrott Academy, 6-3. Joyner struck out eight in four shutout innings, while Burkett and Racobaldo contributed timely hits in the rally.
Woodington finished with 10 hits and another error-free performance. Heath McLawhorn picked up the save, closing the door in the final frame.
Greene Middle rallies past Raiders, 10-6
Woodington suffered its first loss of the season Wednesday at Greene Middle School despite a 3-hit game from Joyner. The Raiders took an early lead, but a six-run fifth inning by Greene flipped the script. Burkett took the loss after allowing three runs in three innings.
Despite the setback, the Raiders continued to show fight, tallying six walks and stealing six bases. McLawhorn and Burkett led the charge on the base paths.
Up next
Woodington (3-1) returns home Monday for a rematch against Contentnea Savannah School, looking to bounce back and continue its strong start.
