Not In The Cards

They looked like they were playing and inter squad game with Kent Cox trying to see what certain players would when the ball came to them.  The Berry Twins both ailing but Matthew more that Thomas switched positions tonight.  Matt moved to first to give him the least moving around on his injured leg.  Thomas moved to third  a position that looks a lot different that what first looks like.

This time of year the teams that are healthy have a chance to play their best ball but an unhealthy Gryphon team did all the could do just  to try to play one more game after tonight.

North Lenoir pushed across  four runs in the second  on three singles but the Gryphons helped out committing two errors as NL led 4-0 after two.  The Gryphons got their first hit of the night from Andy Morris singled  and scored on a error by the Hawks short stop to cut the lead to 4-1 after three.

A walk, error and two hits got a run  number five on the board for the for the Hawks.  Rocky Mount finally got a rally going but had only one hit  with two walks and a big NL error to cut the lead to 5-4 after four.

The sixth inning the Hawks  added three more runs on a single, double and a homer to move the lead to 8-4 after five an a half innings.  The top of the seventh they added three more a three more hits one leaving the yard.   Third Round Final  North Lenoir  11 Rocky Mount 4

The limited options pitching with Sam Lilley and Matthew Beery both out from pitching tonight because of injuries  and Benton Moss not available after pitching the second round playoff  game the Gryphons went with Jeremy Johnson  as long as they could and when help came the Hawks  feasted.

The Gryphons finish 18-9 and my preseason expectations we 12-12 to 14-10.  This team made it to the third round and as the injuries developed this has turned into a great season of over achievement.

Last weekend UNC Pembroke  won their first ever Peach Belt Tournament and with that victory earn a spot in the Regional.  Their opening playoff game last night the Braves won 6-0 over Columbus State.  Former Bulldog of Nash Central  Alex Pearce had two hits for the Braves.  The Braves are now 43-10 on the season  and are playing tonight in the winners bracket of the Regional.  If they win they meet Mount Olive at 10.00am Saturday morning in the last of the winner bracket games.  You can actually go on line to the NCAA Div II playoffs and watch the games.

Alex Pearce has struggled with the bat this season and the Brave coaches have used him in the catchers spot and used a  DH  for him which has put him in the line up every day on defense and he has not disappointed with his arm picking off several runners and thrown many out stealing.    This has no doubt been a year to remember for Alex.