Three players from runner-up East Bladen – seniors Evan Pait and Zamar Lewis and junior Jake Futrell – were named to the All-Tournament team for the 2023 Bulldog Invitational Easter Baseball Tournament Wednesday night.
Pait (pictured center) pitched a complete game 3-hitter and struck out 14 batters including 10 of the last 12 in East Bladen’s 11-3 opening round win over Western Harnett. At the plate Pait belted 5 hits in the 3 games and scored 2 runs highlighted by a 3-for-4 performance in the championship game. He also made a fine grab of a line drive in the 8-6 victory over Richmond.
Lewis (pictured right) walloped 2 home runs and finished with 4 hits, 7 runs scored and 3 RBIs in the tournament. At first base he robbed Richmond hitters of hits on consecutive plays, including a leaping catch of a line drive. Lewis ended a big Terry Sanford inning on Wednesday with a backhand grab in the hole then beat the batter to the bag.
Futrell (pictured left) pitched 6.2 strong innings against Richmond, allowing only 3 earned runs and 5 hits while striking out 9. He retired 11 of the last 12 batters that he faced. He also covered first base to complete Lewis’ 2nd key play against the Raiders. At the plate Futrell scored twice and drove in a run.
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