Midway’s tremendous late season run has come to an end. Trailing 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth, Edenton Holmes took advantage of some Midway miscues to reel off three runs and take the 4-3 lead. That lead would hold, as the Aces went on to win 4-3.

The progression of the game started out quick as neither team batted past their first three batters for the first several innings.

Action picked up, however, in the top of the fourth inning. Midway was finally able to generate base runners after Landon Dorman hit a two out double into center-field. Dustin Holland followed suit by hitting a single into right field to score Dorman on a close play at home. Midway suddenly lead 1-0

That lead was short lived, though, as Holmes battled back in the bottom of the same inning to tie the game back up, 1-1.

The Raiders came right back in the top of the fifth. Matthew Nunnery led the inning off, reaching first base on a throwing error. Chandler Williford singled into left field and Brayden Coats was sent in to run. Midway was in business with runners on and no one out. After a sac bunt by Austin Raynor advanced the runners, Greg Nobles singled into right field that scored Nunnery and Coats.

Wesley Johnson drew a one out walk to load the bases and Carson Calcutt was called on to pinch run. The Aces were able to shut the threat down, however, after Holland lined out to the second baseman and Calcutt was caught off the bag.

Midway was now back in the lead 3-1 and seemed to be in control as the Raiders freshman pitcher, Chandler Williford, fielded a sharp grounder for one out then fanned the other two batters in a 3-up-3-down bottom fifth inning.

That’s when things went south for Midway. A new Aces pitcher held the Raiders to their own 3-up-3-down in the top of the sixth, setting the tone for things to come in the bottom of the inning.

The Raiders retired the first Edenton batter on a fly ball to center field but the next two batters set things in motion as they each reached based after a hit-by-pitch and a walk. Edenton’s next batter loaded the bases with a single into left field. The next batter then hit a potential double-play grounder to Landon Dorman, but an error on the play resulted in all runners being safe and one run scoring, cutting the lead to 3-2.

The next batter hit a tough infield chopper and was able to beat the throw at first base, scoring the tying run and making it 3-3.

After a pitching change, Midway was able to to retire the next batter to make it two outs, but walked the next to give Edenton the 4-3 lead. The Raiders finally stopped the spurt to send the game to the final frame.

Midway wouldn’t go down quietly. With two outs, Wesley Johnson got aboard after an infield grounder resulted in an errant throw to first. Calcutt, who was called on to pinch run, was at second after a stolen base, but, Midway was unable to cash in as Dorman struck out swinging to end the game and the season.

After the game, Raider coach Jason Fussell recalled the progress his team made throughout the course of the season, saying “We had a great year”.

Midway is poised to carry the momentum established late in the season to next year, as the Raiders lose only one senior and return nine juniors.

Reach Daron Barefoot at [email protected]

By Daron Barefoot

Sports Writer

Landon Dorman of Midway slides in for Midway’s first run of the game.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_IMG_2973.jpgLandon Dorman of Midway slides in for Midway’s first run of the game.