GARNER — The Hamlet American Legion baseball team ran out of steam during its second game of Sunday’s doubleheader.
After defeating Brunswick in 11 innings to start the day, Post 49 suffered a 10-0 loss to non-conference Fuquay-Varina Post 116 in five innings.
“This game was a challenge, considering we only had nine players against one of the best teams in the state,” head coach Chip Gordon said. “Knowing we didn’t have the pitching depth we normally do, we used this game as a chance for our hitters to see some quality pitching.
“Ashton (Phifer) and Hunter (Meeds) did a good job on the mound,” he added. “They’re both position players who stepped up and did what we asked them to do in a tough situation.”
Phifer made the start for Hamlet, going three innings in his first appearance this summer. He allowed seven runs (four earned) on three hits. He walked seven batters.
Meeds tossed the final frame and surrendered three runs (two earned) on two hits and three walks.
Fuquay-Varina scored two runs in the first, another in the second, three runs in the third and its final four runs in the fourth.
Joseph Taylor (4 IP, eight strikeouts) and Chase Arrington (1 IP, two Ks) combined to no-hit Hamlet.
Post 49 registered four base runners in the loss, including walks by Meeds and Carter Bean. J.D. Scarbrough reached on a fielder’s choice and Jon Westbay got on safely in the fifth on a dropped third strike.
Hamlet (8-6, 4-1 Area 2) will play its final regular-season road game on Monday. Post 49 will travel to Terry Sanford High School to play Hope Mills Post 32 at 7 p.m.
