BASEBALL: Emereau Battles Sampson Middle in Tight 4-2 Loss

Elizabethtown, NC - The Emereau Charter baseball team put up a spirited effort on the road Monday evening but came up just short in a 4-2 loss to Sampson Middle School.

Emereau came out strong in the top of the first inning, setting the tone early, taking a 1-0 lead.

Sampson, however, answered back in the bottom of the third, pushing across four runs to take control of the game.

Despite the setback, Emereau didn’t fold.

Pitcher Noah Ray started the game on the mound, giving the Aviators three innings of work. He struck out three and allowed just one hit, but a few walks and timely hits from Sampson allowed four runs to score.

Colt Lewis came in to pitch the final three innings and did his job admirably, shutting down the Sampson lineup.

He didn’t allow a hit or a run and struck out three in a clean relief appearance that kept Emereau within striking distance.

Offensively, several Aviators stepped up at the plate. Stryker Pait continued to swing a hot bat, collecting two hits and driving in one of Emereau’s runs.

Gunner Lewis also had a strong day, delivering a pair of hits and adding an RBI of his own.

Noah Ray helped his own cause, contributing two hits and scoring a run in the sixth to trim the deficit to 4-2.

Though Emereau threatened late, they couldn’t quite complete the comeback.

Colt Lewis added a base hit to his strong pitching performance, while Ryker Britt and Greigh Butler each chipped in with hits as well—Butler notching two on the day.

Vance Rowland showed good discipline at the plate, drawing a walk and working counts to try to manufacture runs.

Though the loss stings, the Aviators showed fight from start to finish and had several standout performances to build on as the season continues.

Emereau now has a 4-1 record and will play Harrells Christian Academy on Tuesday.

BASEBALL: Emereau Battles Sampson Middle in Tight 4-2 Loss