Kinston Post 43 scores nine runs late to defeat Wilson Post 13

By Junious Smith III

WILSON — It took a little time, but Kinston Post 43 got back to its hitting ways.

Kinston Post 43 defeated Wilson Post 13 10-3 Wednesday at Historic Fleming Stadium to improve to 12-2 on the season. Wilson Post 13 took a 3-1 lead, but Kinston Post 43 scored three runs in each of the final three innings to take control.

“We came out a little bit lazy (and) didn’t give the best at-bats, but I’m proud of the fight the guys had late in the game,” Kinston Post 43 Coach Ty Eason said.

Kinston Post 43 did score in the top of the first with an RBI double from Malik Dixon, but Wilson Post 13 would counter in the third with a 2-run RBI single from Tanner Sullivan and a fielder’s choice to take over. Post 43 found its footing in the top of the fifth as Dixon drew a bases-loaded walk, followed by a bloop single from Jon Howard to score two and put the team ahead 4-3.

“I started with a two-ball count and I knew the pitcher was going to put something in the zone,” Howard said. “I felt kind of selfish for taking a swing and not going for the walk, but luckily it worked out.”

Kinston Post 43’s offense kept going in the sixth as Jayden Gatling elicited a bases-loaded walk, followed by a fielder’s choice and Jalin Connor sacrifice fly to go up 7-3. One inning later, Brendon Grant had an RBI double and an error brought him home before a Cameron Butler sacrifice fly to close the scoring.

As Kinston prepares for a doubleheader against Edenton Saturday at home, Eason said the team can’t afford to be complacent.

“We can’t take anybody lightly,” Eason said. “We’re really going to try to have our whole pitching staff at least get some work in Saturday before we see Farmville next week. We’ve really got to keep Edenton at bay first.”

The doubleheader will start at 2 p.m. at the Ronnie Battle Baseball Complex at Kinston High School.