Nine-Run Third Propels North Lenoir Past Southern Wayne in Season Opener
Nine-Run Third Propels North Lenoir Past Southern Wayne in Season Opener
LAGRANGE — North Lenoir didn’t just open the 2025 season with a win Wednesday night — the Hawks made a statement.
Behind a nine-run third inning and a dominant effort on the mound from sophomore Daniel Boyette, North Lenoir rolled past Southern Wayne 12-2 in five innings, ending the game by run rule in the bottom of the fifth.
The victory marks the Hawks’ fifth straight season-opening win and gives them early momentum in a series that has been tightly contested over the years. Since 2005, North Lenoir is now 10-15 against Southern Wayne after the teams split 1-1 a season ago.
After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first, North Lenoir responded quickly.
Southern Wayne struck first when Cayden Mozingo reached on a fielder’s choice that brought home a run, and Kameran Diggins followed with a walk that also produced a run. But that would be all the Saints could muster offensively.
The Hawks answered in the bottom of the second. Bryce Arnette drew a walk to spark the inning, and Hunter Southerland followed with a single to help North Lenoir even the score at 2-2.
Then came the decisive third inning.
North Lenoir sent 13 batters to the plate and scored nine runs on three hits, taking full advantage of walks and defensive miscues. Boyette ignited the rally with a single, Miken Williams executed a sacrifice bunt that led to a run, and Whit Johnson and Blayden Pridgen each drew bases-loaded walks. An error plated another run before Boyette capped the frame with a two-run double, blowing the game open.
By the time the inning ended, North Lenoir had seized an 11-2 lead and full control.
Boyette handled the rest from the mound.
The sophomore worked four innings to earn the win, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out eight and walking four. He threw 76 pitches, 45 for strikes, and faced 20 batters. Southerland closed the door with a clean fifth inning, surrendering one hit while striking out three without issuing a walk.
North Lenoir’s pitching staff combined for 11 strikeouts.
Offensively, Boyette led the way, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs. The Hawks showed patience at the plate, drawing nine walks as a team. Arnette, James Peay and Johnson each worked two free passes, while Pridgen stole three bases as part of a six-steal night for North Lenoir.
The Hawks were also sharp defensively, committing no errors. Peay anchored the defense behind the plate and recorded a team-high 11 plays.
Southern Wayne managed four hits, with James Graham leading the Saints by going 3-for-3 at the plate. Mozingo finished 1-for-3 with an RBI. On the mound, Mozingo started and allowed two runs (one earned) over two innings before Graham was tagged for nine runs — eight earned — in one inning of relief.
North Lenoir tacked on its final run in the fourth before Southerland’s shutdown fifth secured the run-rule victory.
With the win, the Hawks begin the season 1-0 and continue a strong trend in openers. More importantly, they showed balance — timely hitting, disciplined at-bats, aggressive baserunning and effective pitching — that could set the tone for the weeks ahead.
North Lenoir returns to action Friday with a road trip to Greene Central.
