GOLDSBORO — The Rosewood Eagles powered their way to a 14–3 victory over the James Kenan Tigers. Still, the Tigers showed determination and hustle throughout the game with several key plays on both offense and defense.
The Tigers stepped to the plate first in the opening inning. No. 1 Eli Avent led off but struck out after a strong pitching sequence from Eagles pitcher No. 5 Ed Gardner. The next batter, No. 4 Paxton Smith delivered a solid hit into left field to reach first base and later showed aggressive baserunning by stealing third.
With a runner in scoring position, No. 3 Trip Phipps drew a walk after four balls to reach first base. However, the Tigers couldn’t capitalize as No. 8 Hunter Whitman struck out to end the inning.
Rosewood Strikes First
The Eagles quickly responded when they came to bat. No. 6 Robbie Boren opened the inning with a strong base hit to get on base. Tigers pitcher No. 9 Cal Avent battled back by striking out the next batter.
Rosewood’s offense came alive when No. 4 Graham Lassiter smashed a hit toward center field, driving in a run and giving the Eagles an early 2–0 lead. The Tigers managed to stop further damage thanks to a strong defensive play by No. 4 Paxton Smith, who helped record an out at third base.
Pitching Dominates the Second Inning
In the second inning, the Tigers batter stepped up but struck out. Eagles pitcher No. 5 Ed Gardner continued to dominate on the mound, striking out the next two Tigers batters to quickly end the inning.
Rosewood looked to extend its lead when No. 8 Cuyler Jones hit a ball toward left field, but Tigers fielder No. 8 Hunter Whitman made a great catch and fired the ball to No. 3 Trip Phipps for a big out. Moments later, No. 14 Zack Tadlock connected for a hit, but another impressive defensive play from No. 1 Eli Avent helped the Tigers record the out. The Tigers then secured the third out when No. 6 Brantley Pike made the play.
Tigers Show Fight at the Plate
When the Tigers returned to the batter’s box, No. 1 Eli Avent sparked the offense with a huge double to reach second base. No. 4 Paxton Smith followed with a hard-hit ball, but it hung just long enough to be caught for an out.
The Tigers finally broke through when No. 9 Cal Avent lined a single to bring No. 1 Eli Avent home, putting James Kenan on the scoreboard. No. 3 Jacob Bond struck out in the next at-bat, but No. 8 Hunter Whitman reached first after drawing a walk.
With runners moving, No. 15 Jeremiah Hall entered the game as a pinch runner for No. 9 Cal Avent. However, the rally slowed when No. 6 Brantley Pike struck out.
Late Momentum for the Tigers
Despite the strikeout, the Tigers found some momentum later in the inning with the bases loaded and one out. No. 9 Cal Avent delivered a key RBI single, bringing two runs across the plate and narrowing the gap.
Eagles Pull Away for the Win
While the Tigers showed flashes of strong offense and defense, the Eagles’ powerful lineup proved too much over the course of the game. Rosewood continued to add runs and maintained control, eventually securing a 14–3 victory.
Even in defeat, the James Kenan Tigers displayed determination, aggressive baserunning, and solid defensive efforts that highlighted their competitive spirit throughout the matchup.
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