Cardinal Gibbons scores 3 runs in first inning, forces Game 3 with Ashley
The unlikely playoff run by Cardinal Gibbons' baseball team, the 22-seed in the 4A state playoffs, is not over yet.
Facing elimination on Thursday night, the Crusaders used a three-un first inning to beat Ashley at their home field. Cardinal Gibbons did not score again after the first inning, but the Crusaders won 3-1.
After the Screaming Eagles' first inning was ended with a runner called out at home, Cardinal Gibbons wasted no time in scoring.
Will Evans got on base, followed by Cam Tarkenton. Evans scored the first run off a hit from Jakub Mudd with one out. Mudd managed to get on base too, and that setup Damon Phillips at the plate. Phillips recorded two RBI as Tarkenton and Mudd scored off his hit.
Cardinal Gibbons led 3-0 after one inning.
Ashley had chances to score, but it took until the top of the fifth for the Screaming Eagles to get on the board. Cole Barnes hit a lead-off home run to left field to get Ashley within 3-1.
Cardinal Gibbons threatened to extend its lead in the bottom of the sixth inning when it loaded the bases with two outs, but Ashley was able to get out of the inning without allowing anymore damage.
Ashley managed to get a runner on base in the top of the seventh, but left him stranded at third as the Eagles fell 3-1.
Game 3 will determine which team will advance to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state championship series next weekend. The winner will face reigning state champion T.C. Roberson in a best-of-three series. T.C. Roberson defeated Charlotte Catholic in two games in the western regional championship series.
