5/26/2022 12:59:00 AM South Rowan 11, East Lincoln 1
Wayne Howard Reporter
Graham Smiley's solo homer in the top of the first inning was the only run the Mustangs got as East Lincoln fell to South Rowan 11-1 Wednesday night in the first game of a best of three series for the NCHSAA 3A baseball Western Region championship.
Then it was South Rowan's turn, and the home team took a 4-1 lead on two 2-run doubles, then added another run in the second inning and three more in the third. They pounded two East Lincoln pitchers, scoring another run in the fourth and ending the game with another pair in the sixth.
Meanwhile, their ace lefty struck out 12 Mustang batters and walked just two as the Raiders took the first game of the series that now moves to East Lincoln High School for a 7 PM second game Thursday night (May 26th). If East rebounds with a win Thursday, the final game in the series will be Saturday at China Grove.
The East Lincoln girls soccer team also plays Thursday. They'll be at Lake Norman Charter for a 6 PM game in the 3A soccer playoffs.
Also Thursday, Cherryville's baseball team will try to end the 1A Western Region playoff series when they travel to Monroe to play Union Academy. The Ironmen won Tuesday's opener of the series 9-1 on Tuesday.
