Left-hander Gunnar Tolston pitched a one-hitter and struck out 14 batters to lead Croatan to a 10-2 victory over visiting East Bladen Wednesday night in the first round of the NCHSAA Class 2-A Play-offs.
Fred Stewart slammed a triple to highlight a 4-run first-inning for the Cougars. The Cougars tacked on 2 runs in the second, 2 more in the 4th to go up 8-1, then added their final 2 runs in the sixth.
Freshman Sincere Smith drew a walk, stole a base and eventually scored the first Eagle run in the third inning. Smith drew another walk in the seventh inning, advanced on a passed ball and came around to score the final East Bladen run.
Junior Nikita Owens spoiled Tolston’s no-hit bid by connecting for a sixth-inning single. The Eagles did work Tolston for 8 walks and had another batter hit by a pitch.
Bobby Staub batted 3-4 and scored a run to lead the Cougar hitters. Stewart tripled, singled and scored 2 runs for Croatan. Tolston also batted 2-4 and scored twice for the winners.
Jeremy White and Bailey Van Norsdall added a single each and scored twice each for the Cougars.
Junior Alex Coates started on the mound for Coach Russell Priest’s Eagles who finished their season with a 10-13 record.
About Author
