ROBBINS — A slow start for the Hamlet American Legion Junior baseball team led to its first loss of the season Wednesday.
Unable to replicate their winning performance from Tuesday’s season opener, the Junior 49ers suffered an 18-10 loss on the road to Moore County Post 12.
A one-run lead after the top of the first inning was undone for Hamlet when Moore County scored seven runs in the home half of the first.
Hamlet trailed 11-2 after three innings, scored four runs in the top of the fourth and added a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth frames.
Moore County used the fast start and added three insurance runs in both the fourth and fifth innings and had one run in the sixth.
Post 49 used three pitchers in the game, starting with Jackson Parsons. He pitched a third of an inning and allowed seven runs (two earned) on three hits and had a strikeout.
Jaxton Watson threw 3.2 innings of relief and gave up seven runs (four earned) on six hits, while striking out three batters. Throwing the final 2.0 innings was Chase Baker, who held Moore County to four runs (three earned) on four hits with two Ks.
Hamlet’s defense committed nine errors in the game.
Finishing the game with a dozen hits as a team, the Junior 49ers were led by two hits apiece from leadoff batter Jake Smith, Cooper Perkins and catcher Noah Wilson. The trio of batters had two singles apiece and each had one run batted in.
Parsons had a double and recorded one RBI. Leading the team with two RBI was Emery Owens, who had one base hit. Drew Moree was the final player to plate a run, who also had a single.
Riley Fields and Willie Hooks each singled in the game, and Dean Cottle recorded Hamlet’s other extra-base hit with a double.
Hamlet (1-1, 1-1 Area 3) is set to close out its three-game opening week Thursday with a home game against HiToms Post 87. First pitch from Memorial Park is set for 7 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Game information and statistics provided by Hamlet’s GameChanger.
