Area 3 playoffs - Randolph Record

23 Jul

Post 45 falls in Area 3 final, but lessons could turn fruitful

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, Area 3 playoffs, Newman Park, Randolph County Post 45, Rowan County, state tournament, Trey Way

SALISBURY – Something good might have come out of the Area 3 championship game for Randolph County Post 45, the losing part aside. “It’s just a reality check that we can lose,” left fielder Adam Cole said. Post 45 hadn’t been in a competitive game in more than three weeks, then didn’t execute well in numerous tight spots in Friday night’s game at Newman Park. Rowan County never trailed in a 6-4 decision. The outcome halted a 12-game winning streak, but there’s plenty still ahead for Randolph County. “It’s good for us to get the opportunity to see some of…

21 Jul

Right on time: Post 45 hits stride

Bob SuttonSportsAdam Cole, American Legion baseball, Area 3 playoffs, Braylen Hayes, Randolph County Post 45, Robert Garner, Ronnie Pugh, sports, Trey Way, Tyler Parks

Tanner Marsh has been a key factor as a shortstop and pitcher for Randolph County Post 45. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Randolph County roars into postseason on hot streak ASHEBORO — It took a little time for Randolph County Post 45 to figure it out. The timing, though, is ideal. The American Legion baseball team has been riding a hot streak that began with the second part of the regular season and has extended into the postseason. “We’re coming together as a team and understanding how to play with each other,” outfielder Adam Cole said. That tends to be the sentiment.…

21 Jul

Progress defines Post 81’s bounce back

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, Area 3 playoffs, Eastern Randolph Post 81, Luke Thomas, Post 81

Eastern Randolph Post 81 catcher Parker Evans tags out Stanly County’s Chance Hunt during an Area 3 playoff game. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Eastern Randolph rediscovers winning ways in breakthrough season RAMSEUR – Aside from the awkward ending, Eastern Randolph Post 81 put together a season that could set the foundation for the American Legion baseball program. That would make this year’s efforts well worth it for a team that had endured some tough times in recent seasons. “Our main goal was we wanted to bring life back to 81 baseball,” said first-year head coach Nate Cockman. Consider that accomplished. “It’s…

15 Jul

Post 45, Post 81 move on in Area 3 playoffs in different fashions

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, Area 3 playoffs, Luke Thomas, Post 45, Post 81, Trey Way

Blake Marsh has been a factor for Randolph County Post 45 in the American Legion baseball playoffs. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Randolph County Post 45 and Eastern Randolph Post 81 took different paths to reach the Area 3 playoff semifinals for American Legion baseball. Both ways worked out. Post 45 rolled to 14-0 and 9-0 victories against Mooresville Post 66 in the best-of-3 quarterfinals. Post 81 lost its series opener against Stanley County, then recovered to win twice Thursday night to keep its season alive. Due to field availability issues in Asheboro, Game 1 was played at Mooresville, with Post 45…

11 Jul

Post 81 makes most of evolving roster

Bob SuttonSportsAmerican Legion baseball, Area 3 playoffs, Post 45, Post 81

Eastern Randolph Post 81's Anthony Lopossey throws a pitch during the series-clinching game in the first round of the Area 3 playoffs. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record) Forfeit costs Eastern Randolph in playoff pecking order RAMSEUR – Changing lineups have been part of the formula for the Eastern Randolph Post 81 baseball team. While that took a cruel twist at the end of the regular season, the team has no choice but to focus on what’s ahead with the American Legion Area 3 playoffs beginning. “Whoever is there, we’re going to go with,” head coach Nate Cockman said. “What happened in the…