ASHEBORO, N.C. – Morgantown Post 2’s postseason run has come to an end. After falling to Vienna (Va.) 15-1 Friday night, Randolph Post 45 (N.C.) rallied late in the sixth to complete the comeback at 7-5.
Post 2 took a large lead in the first inning with four runs in the top. Quintin Smith kicked off the drive with a double on a 2-0 count. Caleb Taylor put Smith on third with a single before Colton Matthews singled him in. After Clay Maholic walked, allowing Taylor to cross home, Ethan Smith’s sac fly pushed in Matthews. Gavin Cottle would be the last Morgantown runner to score, crossing home on another walk.
Randolph responded with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning, and after holding Morgantown to just one run in the third tacked on two more runs to begin chasing Post 2.
Another scoreless half for Morgantown followed by a run for Randolph in the fourth put the North Carolina squad in position to take the lead two innings later.
After three innings without a Morgantown run, Randolph’s Trevor Marsh delivered a three-run homer. Morgantown would be unable to score amid a strikeout and grounder into a double play.
Matt Renner took the loss for Morgantown, throwing six innings and allowing nine hits, six earned runs and four walks. He had no strikeouts.
Marsh picked up the win for Randolph, ending the night on the mound through 1 2/3 innings and allowing one hit and walk. He struck out two through six batters faced.
The loss ends Morgantown’s first regional appearance in a decade. The last time the team saw the Mid-Atlantic tournament, now-manager Tyler Barnette was suited up as a player. Morgantown ends the year with a 35-10 overall record.
