CALYPSO — North Duplin stranded three runners in scoring position and fell from the unbeaten ranks in a 3-0 loss to Waccamaw 1A-2A member Heide Trask on Friday evening.
The Rebels scratched out just two hits — one each by Wesley Holmes and Brady Byrd — against Titan pitcher Conner Gore. The senior collected six strikeouts, walked two and logged the team’s third shutout of the season.
Trask extended its win streak to five.
“That was a good baseball game,” ND head coach Colton Chrisman said. “We would have loved to come out on the other end of it, but that’s part of the game.”
The Titans touched Rebels starter Erik Rosas for two first-inning runs. Rosas settled down and put four consecutive zeros on the board until Trask tallied a sixth-inning run.
Rosas permitted three earned runs on six hits, walked one and registered nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. Tyler Johnsey recorded the final two outs – a strikeout and flyout.
“Erik was really good tonight,” Chrisman said. “He got hit around a little earlier, but he responded very well. That just shows you the maturity of him and the growth he has had over the years here at North Duplin.”
Seniors Brandon Bannerman and Colton Taylor, and Matix Wiler each picked up an RBI for the Titans.
Trask improved to 34-10 against Carolina 1A teams since 2008.
“We have a lot of young guys in big spots and they didn’t back down tonight,” Chrisman said. “I know this is going to sound crazy after a loss, but tonight was really fun for not only me as a coach but for my players. Nothing has changed.
“We are going back to work to get ready for East Duplin on Monday.”
North Duplin (6-1) faces the Panthers at 6 p.m. The Rebels launch defense of their Carolina 1A title at home Tuesday against Neuse Charter.
