Published: 06:27 PM, Sat Jun 02, 2012
Whiteville wins state 2-A baseball championship, topping Randleman 3-2
A staff report
ZEBULON - Nathan Hood's run-scoring double broke a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning and helped give Whiteville a 3-1 victory over Randleman on Saturday for a sweep of the state 2-A baseball championship series at Five County Stadium.
The Wolfpack won a pair of close games in the best of three series. Whiteville won the series opener Friday night 3-2.
Hood, who was named the most valuable player in the series, gave the Wolfpack a 2-1 lead with his key hit, and the Pack added an insurance run in the seventh on a hit batsman, fielder's choice, stolen base and sacrifice fly. He also went the distance on the mound, striking out 12 and walking three while scattering six hits.
Hunter Smith, who had two hits and a pair of walks for Whiteville, drove home the game's first run with a single in the fourth, but Randleman tied it when Zach Bach drew a bases loaded walk in the following inning.
Will Albertson led Randleman with three hits, with a single in the third, double in the fifth and triple in the seventh, but the Tigers were unable to drive him home in the final frame.
Cody Trogdon was the losing pitcher.
Defending champs
Randleman, the defending state 2-A champion, finished 29-6 overall while Whiteville improved to 26-5 and ended the season with a 16-game winning streak.
Whiteville was making its first appearance in the state baseball finals since 1998 but has played for the title seven times previously, including in 1985 when these same two teams squared off for the title that was won by the Wolfpack in two straight.