CLINTON – Sampson Middle scored the tying and winning runs on wild pitches in the bottom of the 6th inning as the Dark Horses rallied for 5-4 non-conference middle school baseball victory Tuesday over Emereau Bladen.
The Aviators jumped in front with 3 runs in the 1st inning. Cooper Long drew a lead-off walk and stole 2nd base, and Tyler Eason knocked him in with a single. Eason circled the bases on a pair of wild pitches, before Grayson Freeman smacked a single. Cade Rogers slammed a double that plated Freeman for a 3-0 lead.
The Dark Horses battled back with 3 runs in the 3rd inning on a walk, a passed 3rd strike, 2 hits and 2 errors.
Emereau edged back ahead 4-3 with a run in the 4th inning. Long walked but was retired on Eason’s fielder’s choice. Jayce Hatcher cracked a single, and Eason darted home on a wild pitch.
Eason batted 2-for-4 with a run batted in and 2 runs scored. Rogers doubled home a run, and Freeman, Hatcher, Ryker Strickland and Stryker Pait connected for 1 hit each.
Hatcher started on the mound for the Aviators and pitched 5 strong innings striking out 12 batters while allowing 3 runs on 2 hits and a walk. Eason relieved in the 6th inning and struck out 1 while walking 3 and giving up 2 runs.
Emereau 300 100 — 4-7-3
Sampson 003 002 — 5-2-3
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