Patriots tame Cougars in Season Opener

The Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots took to the diamond to open their season on Wednesday evening. The Patriots hosted the Goldsboro High Cougars. The Patriots gave a solid overall performance in their season-opening win.

APA Head Coach, Rob Kravitz, was very pleased with his team’s performance. “Proud of the guys, proud of their effort, and it’s nice to walk out of here with a win,” Coach Kravitz said. Coach Kravitz got 4 solid innings out of his starting pitcher, Jojo Ferebee. Ferebee threw 61 pitches in the start and recorded his first win of the season. Ferebee had 5 strikeouts, 2 walks, and allowed 1 earned run while giving up 2 hits in the win.

The Cougars were on the prowl in the top of the first, but with the bases loaded and two outs, Ferebee got out of the inning with a strikeout. Tanner Outlaw moved from First Base to the mound in relief. Outlaw threw 3 solid innings of relief work, including striking out the side in the 5th inning. Outlaw turned in a similar performance to his starter. Outlaw recorded 5 strikeouts, with 3 walks, 1 earned run, and 2 hits allowed.

Senior outfielder, Caleb Sanderson led the Patriots, going 2-3 while also drawing a walk. Sanderson recorded a triple in the 6th inning and later scored to add an extra insurance run for his team. Sanderson was vital for the Patriot’s success tonight on the field. “We are missing a lot of guys from last year’s team. But good senior leadership from Caleb. He stepped up big for us tonight,” Kravitz said after the game.

Looking ahead, the Patriots will travel to Harrells Christian Academy on Thursday and then host Epiphany on Friday evening. Thursday’s matchup against the Crusaders should be a good matchup for the Patriots. The Patriots have a 3-1-1 record against the Crusaders in their last 5 matchups.