State 3A Playoffs

Ragsdale 3 Weddington 0

Did I say the sun came out? Well it vanished this afternoon and a huge thunderstorm blew through about 5:00. Rained hard for an hour - Finally the rain stopped, sun came out and some furious work by the Ragsdale coaches got the field playable by 8.

I'll be back in a few with a game recap.

 

Ragsdale got a super pitching performance tonight out of left hander Jake Kensmoe who gave up three hits and struck out ten going the distance.

Weddington right hander Jeremy Sain also did a good job giving up 5 hits and striking out four. He got out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning with only one run scored but it was all Ragsdale needed.

Jake Kensmoe set the tone early for Ragsdale striking out the side in the first. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for Ragsdale in the first but they could only get one run in on Ricky Paynes fielders choice.

In the third #12( Josh Mangum) for Weddington got a one out double and Alex Helms followed with a single to left but Andy Smith threw a bullet to home plate and a great sweep tag by Ricky Payne just got the runner on the shoulder before his foot touched home.

In the fourth Weddington got a lead off triple after Matt Kepley made a diving attempt for the catch in centerfield. But a ground out to third and two huge strikeouts by Kensmoe kept Weddington off the scoreboard again.

Ragsdale followed up in the fourth with a one out double by RF Trevor Mullins that looked like a HR but hit the top of the wall. Gator Lankford followed with a sharp single to right but Mullins stumbled as he put on the brakes rounding third and he got thrown out at home in a run down.

I missed the Weddington fifth running the kids home but I do know they left another runner stranded at second.

In the Ragsdale sixth off a Weddington reliever ( Ryan Bloom??) DH Alex Sink - who looked out of sync on his first two at bats crushed a pitch ro right center that looked like a sure homer but damn if it didn't bounce off the top of the wall and fall in - but Alex never looked back as he busted it all the way beating the throw home for an inside the park home run. Chad Baker was hit by the next pitch and later stole second and after a Ricky Payne strike out Trevor Mullins came in with another double to score Baker and give Ragsdale their third run.

Kensmoe ( now 9-1 on the season ) set Weddington down in order, ending with two last strike outs to get Ragsdale to Round Two.

West Rowan had a full contingent of players there scouting the game. Should be a good one Friday night in Jamestown. I'm pretty sure Chad Baker will be on the mound for Ragsdale.

 

Matt Kepley

Hey Wossa,

Keep the reports coming! We love to hear about Ragsdale in Forest City, NC. Matt grew up here in Forest City and we think the world of Matt and his family. His former teamates and their parents with East Rutherford wish him the best! Good Lunk Matt and Ragsdale!
:applause:

 

West Rowan at Ragsdale on Fri. 5/21

Patrick Adams vs. Chad Baker,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, this should be a classic for baseball fans...

 

Matt does an awesome job as a leadoff hitter for Ragsdale. He knows how to work the count and makes good contact. Last night he lead off the game with a single and scored that first inning run.

 

Good to hear that Patrick Adams is back from the cut on his hand.

 

Matt Kepley

Tickled that he is doing so well! Just wish he was still in a East Rutherford uniform! Pass the word on to Matt that his former teammates and their parents wish him and Ragsdale well!

 

Patrick Adams....

NCBBALLFAN, Patrick probably could've played earlier this week if West Rowan had needed him in the first round. But he is cleared and ready to play now for sure. He may not be as sharp after a 3 week layoff; however, his determination and desire will not be in question. I'm sure he will do just fine against a very strong Ragsdale team. It will be a great game for fans. Especially neutral fans.

 

and I read in the High Point Enterprise the game has been scheduled for Saturday night to accomodate graduation. Not sure who is graduating this early.

But that should mean a bigger crowd for Saturday for those that have Friday games to attend. Come to Jamestown and see a great showdown Saturday night :xyzthumbs

 

Roberson/Ashbrook should be fun, and it's good to see that the Chargers get another game at home. Need to get those bats going. Can't take to many 1-0 games.