FAYETTEVILLE- A last-inning Eagle rally came up just short as Scotland held on to defeat East Bladen 6-4 Monday night in the Bulldog Invitational Baseball Tournament at Terry Sanford High School.
After Scotland scored 2 runs in the top of the seventh to snap a 4-4 tie, the Eagles fought back as freshman Freddie Wooten cracked a lead-off single, junior Greyson Heustess walked, and senior Ty Watkins belted a single to load the bases with 2 out.
Freshman Brady Hollingsworth drilled a line drive that was caught by the Scotland centerfielder to end the game.
The Scots turned 4 walks, a hit batter and a fielder’s choice into 3 runs in the third inning. Scotland added an unearned run in the fourth on an error and Matt Sellers’ run-scoring single to push the lead to 4-0.
The Eagles rallied in the fifth as junior Dan Tatum reached base on a bunt, and Freddie Wooten knocked him in with a single. Senior Sincere Smith cracked a single that scored Freddie Wooten, then stole second and scored on Greyson Heustess’ fielder’s choice to whittle the lead to 4-3.
Tatum blasted a home run over the leftfield fence leading off the sixth inning to tie the game 4-4.
A 2-out rally in the top of the seventh inning put the Scots back on top. Donovan O’Donnell and Storm Graham delivered run-scoring singles in the inning.
Freddie Wooten batted 2-3 with a run batted in and a run scored to lead the Eagles. Smith finished 2-4 at the plate with an rbi and a run scored. Watkins also batted 2-4. Tatum walloped the home run and scored twice. Heustess drove in a run.
Senior Xavier Wooten pitched the first 4 innings for the Eagles and allowed 4 runs – 3 earned – on one hit, 5 walks and a hit batter while striking out six.
Freddie Wooten, Xavier’s brother, worked the final 3 innings on the mound for East Bladen and gave up 2 unearned runs on 3 hits and a walk while striking out four.
The Eagles will play Southern Lee Tuesday at 1 p.m. in a consolation game in the Bulldog Invitational at Terry Sanford.
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