Warrior baseball wins big over West Craven

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on March 21, 2004 8:29 AM

• Print
• Email

VANCEBORO -- Eastern Wayne claimed sole possession of second in the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference baseball ranks with a convincing 14-1 victory against West Craven on Friday afternoon.

The Warriors (4-3) improved to 3-1 against ECC opposition and own a half-game lead against defending champion Kinston, county rival Charles B. Aycock and West Carteret.

Eastern Wayne broke the game open with an eight-run third inning and chased Eagles starter Lemmie Barwick from the mound. Barwick allowed seven runs (five earned) in a 21Ú3-inning stint, struck out three and walked three.

Garrett Sutton and Billy McKinley each had three hits in the Warriors' 15-hit attack. Airlon Vinson contributed two hits and four RBI. Jesse Lancaster batted 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Tyler Mitchell contributed two hits and three RBI.

Tyler Ham finished the day a perfect 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI.

Vinson emerged the winning pitcher, striking out four and scattering three hits in a complete-game effort.

Officials halted the contest after five innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

Eastern Wayne continues play Tuesday at J.H. Rose, the reigning N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-A champion.