Wade goes yard, East Duplin snaps South Lenoir’s seven-game streak

East Duplin hands South Lenoir first loss in eight games, tightens conference race

South Lenoir’s seven-game winning streak came to an end Tuesday as East Duplin held off the Blue Devils 7-5 in a key conference matchup.

The loss drops South Lenoir to 14-7 overall and 7-2 in conference play with one regular-season game remaining. East Duplin improved to 17-2 overall and 8-1 in conference play.

South Lenoir still has a chance to force a potential three-way tie at the top of the conference standings. The Blue Devils travel to East Duplin on Thursday. A South Lenoir win would move both teams to 8-2 in league play, with Pender also sitting at 7-2.

East Duplin took control with a three-run fifth inning and finished with seven runs on seven hits. South Lenoir matched that with eight hits but was hurt defensively, committing seven errors that proved costly throughout the game.

Despite the final line, J. Sasnett delivered a strong performance in the circle, throwing a complete game with 97 pitches — 75 for strikes — while not issuing a walk and striking out two. Of the seven runs allowed, only one was earned, as defensive miscues extended innings and created opportunities for East Duplin.

R. Wade led the Blue Devils at the plate, going 3-for-3 with a home run, an RBI, a walk and a run scored. C. Cole added two hits and scored once, while L. Philyaw and M. Herring each contributed a hit.

South Lenoir will look to bounce back Thursday on the road with a share of the conference lead potentially on the line.