ELIZABETHTOWN – Junior lefthander Ty Watkins pitched a complete game 4-hitter Tuesday night to lead East Bladen to a 9-1 Four County Conference baseball victory over West Bladen.

Watkins struck out four, walked five and stranded eleven Knights on base. “Ty is deceiving,” said East Bladen Coach Russell Priest. “His ball looks like it is breaking away from the hitters when it isn’t.”

The Eagles jumped in front early as junior Sincere Smith drew a one-out first-inning walk, stole second base and took third on a throwing error. Senior Kyle Tatum knocked him in with a single to centerfield.

Dan Tatum, the courtesy runner for his brother Kyle, moved to second on an infield out and raced home on junior Xavier Wooten’s single to centerfield for a 2-0 lead.

Kyle Tatum led off the Eagle third with a single to centerfield, and Watkins laced a single to centerfield. Wooten beat out an infield hit to load the bases. Junior Quinton Bedsole lifted a sacrifice fly to leftfield that scored Dan Tatum, the courtesy runner for Kyle.

Josh McKoy, the courtesy runner for Watkins, dashed home on a wild pitch, and junior Brooks McGill rapped a seeing-eye single through the middle that scored Wooten. Junior Deondre Newkirk beat out a bunt single, and McGill scooted home from second base on the play to boost the lead to 6-0.

Trent West drew a walk to start the Knight fourth inning. Two outs later freshman Logan West walked, and junior Trey Storms belted a single to centerfield that scored Jonathan Ashworth, the courtesy runner for Trent West.

The Eagles padded their lead with 3 runs in the sixth inning. Sophmore Shy Pone legged out an infield hit, and Smith walked. Kyle Tatum beat out an infield hit, and Pone darted home from second base on the play. Wooten raked a single to left that scored Smith, and Dan Tatum dashed home on a passed ball.

Kyle Tatum and Xavier Wooten both batted 3-4 and drove in 2 runs each to lead the East Bladen hitters. McGill finished 2-4 at the plate with a run batted in and a run scored.

Pone, Newkirk, Watkins and Greyson Heustess added one hit each. Dan Tatum scored 3 runs, Smith scored twice and Pone, McKoy, and Wooten scored one run each.

“The bats woke up,” said Coach Priest. “We have been hitting some but we really put the bat on the ball tonight, and we played good defense.”

Senior Weston Pidgeon batted 2-4 to lead the Knight hitters. Storms delivered the run-scoring single, and Jarrett Williams added a single. Ashworth scored the run.

Trent West started and pitched 5.1 innings for West Bladen, and Williams relieved and retired the final 2 batters in the sixth inning.

“They hit the ball and we beat the ball into the dirt,” said Knight Coach Kim Cain.

The Eagles improved to 8-2 in league play and 9-4 overall. East Bladen will play Saturday at 4 p.m. against E. E. Smith in the J. Hoyt Warren/Wayne Edwards Easter Tournament at Douglas Byrd.

West Bladen drops to 7-2 in the Four County and 9-6 overall. West Bladen travels to Union Wednesday night at 6:30 for a Four County make-up game.

ELIZABETHTOWN – Senior Alanna Ludlum walloped a grand-slam home run to highlight a 9-run second-inning that propelled West Bladen to a 15-0 Four County Conference softball victory over East Bladen Tuesday night.

The Lady Knights racked up 15 runs on 13 hits, 3 walks and an error in the first two innings.  “We did a good job of hitting the ball tonight,” said West Coach Joey Autry. “We did a better job of going the other way and hitting to the opposite field.”

Senior Kassidy Anderson dumped a single into centerfield to start the game, and senior Logan Autry cracked a single to centerfield. Ludlum’s fielder’s choice retired Anderson. Senior Laikyn Pait lined a single to right-centerfield that scored Autry.

Sophmore Carley Dawson sliced a single to rightfield that brought home Ludlum and Pait. Pitcher Sophia Singletary belted a single to centerfield, and sophmore Conner Brisson slammed a double off the leftfield fence that plated Carley Dawson.

Senior Jenna Dove slapped a single to rightfield that drove in Abby Dawson, the courtesy runner for Singletary. Freshman Kyla Reed ripped a single to left-centerfield that scored Brisson for a 6-0 Lady Knight lead.

Ludlum drew a lead-off walk in the second inning and raced home when Pait drilled a double to left-centerfield. Carley Dawson reached base on an error, and Singletary swatted a single to left-centerfield that plated Pait.

Brisson belted a single to right-centerfield that scored Carley Dawson. Dove smacked a single to center that loaded the bases. Walks to Reed and Autry forced home Abby Dawson, the runner for Singletary, and Brisson.

Ludlum then closed out the scoring with a drive that hit the top of the fence in right-centerfield and bounded over for the grand-slam homer.

Brisson batted 2-2 with a double, 2 runs batted in and 2 runs scored to lead the West Bladen attack. Dove finished 2-2 at the plate with an rbi and a run scored, and Singletary was 2-2 with an rbi and her courtesy runner, Abby Dawson, scored twice.

Pait batted 2-3 with a double, 2 rbi’s and 2 runs scored. Ludlum slugged the grand-slam home run, and Carley Dawson, Reed, Autry and Anderson added one hit each. Autry, Ludlum and Carley Dawson scored 2 runs each, and Reed scored one.

Singletary pitched a 3-hitter, struck out four and walked one as she raised her record to 9-2 on the season. “Sophia worked ahead and pounded the strike zone,” said Coach Autry. “ We played better defense too.”

Senior Emily Scott, junior pitcher Kaley Smith and junior Majesti Corbett connected for one hit each to lead the East Bladen offense.

The Lady Knights, now 7-1 in league play and 12-2 overall, will travel to Union Wednesday for a 6 p.m. game.

East Bladen, now 2-6 in the league and 3-7 overall, will travel to St. Pauls Thursday for a 5 p.m. game.

ELIZABETHTOWN – Sophmore Ashley Hardin recorded a ‘Hat Trick’ of 3 goals Tuesday night to lead East Bladen to a 3-0 Four County Conference girls soccer victory over West Bladen.

Hardin scored her two first half goals on long shots from the right side of the goal. The first one was from 20 yards out off of an assist from junior Hannah Devane, and the second goal came on an 18-yard shot off of an assist from freshman Patience Ward.

“Both were well-placed and hard shots that were just out of the keeper’s reach,’ said Lady Eagle Coach Jay Raynor.

The third Hardin goal came midway the second half. “It was very similar to the first goal,” said Raynor. “She had a lot of space in front of her. It was good to see Ashley step up and get those goals. She plays a lot of minutes and is usually getting assists. She hit the post and crossbar on her first 2 shots, but settled down and made some big shots.”

“I thought the play of our midfield – Lexie (Mendell), Cassie (Hill) and Cybil (Campbell) – was solid tonight,” continued Coach Raynor. “We dictated the pace of the game and forced their backs to make play after play.”

“Cassidy (Davis) and Anna Grace (Long) made some plays for us as well,” added Raynor. “They did what they were supposed to do when called on.”

Raynor was pleased that he was able to get all his players some quality minutes in the game. “Ashton Magby has been giving us great effort, and Trinity (Carroll) was able to step in and do the same. She was able to help generate some offense around their goal.”

Sophmore goalkeeper Ting Lin did not have to make a save in the game. “Sarah (Johnson) did a wonderful job keeping the backline compact,” noted Coach Raynor. “They didn’t get behind us much and I thought that was because of her and the communication in the back.”

Raynor also praised Lady Knight Coach Brennan Brown and his game plan. “They were solid defensively even though the ball stayed on their half of the field a majority of the time. My hat goes off to their keeper (Akira Grimes) who made numerous saves. Whether they were hit hard at her or if she had to dive, she made plays all night.”

Coach Raynor also noted that West challenged every 50/50 ball. “They challenged them. We sat back and watched at times. West seemed to want to make a play more than we did.”

“We didn’t play our best and were still able to get a result,” concluded Raynor. “This group is tough and will respond tomorrow.’

East Bladen, now 6-4 in league play and 10-4 overall, will travel to South Columbus Wednesday for a 5 p.m. non-conference game.

West Bladen travels to Union for a 6 p.m. Four County make-up game Wednesday.

ELIZABETHTOWN – Sophmores Spencer Scott and Pierce Melvin combined to pitch a 2-hiiter and strike-out 7 batters as East Bladen defeated West Bladen 9-2 Tuesday in Four County Conference jayvee baseball action.

Scott pitched 4 innings to pick up the win, striking out three and allowing 2 unearned runs on a hit, a walk and a hit batter. Melvin worked the final 2 scoreless innings on the mound, striking out four and allowing a hit and a walk.

The Knights scored first as sophmore Dalton Pait reached base on an error, stole second base and scored on another error.

Freshman Gabe Barber drew a walk in the bottom of the first inning and came around to score a tying run for the Eagles.

Josh McKoy walked in the East Bladen second inning, stole second base and raced home when Holden Clark belted a single.

The Eagles stretched their lead to 5-1 with a trio of third inning runs. Freshman Jordan Robinson reached base on a fielder’s choice and stole second and third base while sophmore Dan Tatum walked.

Scott knocked in Robinson and Tatum with a single. Sophmore Eric Chancy, the courtesy runner for Scott, stole second base, advanced on a passed ball and scored when McKoy smacked a single.

Braylan Williamson smacked a single to start the Knight fourth inning, and catcher Jeremy Pait reached base on an error. After Brandon Strange walked, David Valenta’s fielder’s choice scored Williamson.

Davis Alsup led off the Eagle fourth with a single, stole second base and freshman Jake Evans moved him to third base with a sacrifice bunt. Barber laced a single that plated Alsup for a 6-2 lead.

Tatum hammered a double to start the Eagle fifth inning and stole third base. Scott’s ground ball brought home Tatum. Melvin walked, and McKoy slammed a double. Clark connected for a single that scored Melvin and McKoy.

McKoy batted 2-2 with a double, a run batted in and 2 runs scored. Clark finished 2-3 at the plate with 3 rbi’s. Tatum doubled and scored 2 runs. Barber and Scott cracked rbi singles. Alsup singled and scored a run. Robinson, Melvin, Chancy and Scott scored runs.

Williamson and freshman Nolan Bryant connected for one hit each for West Bladen. Williamson and Dalton Pait scored one run each, and Valenta had an rbi. Freshman Colby White pitched for West Bladen.

The Knight jayvees are now 3-6 in league play and 7-7 overall and will travel to Union Wednesday for a 4 p.m. game.

East Bladen improved to 8-1 in league play and 10-2 overall.

A couple of reminders,

(1) Today, enjoy a fresh fish plate, courtesy of the local Shriners. Will be taking place in the Food Lion parking lot in E-town. Proceeds benefit Shriner’s Hospitals who provide free medical service to children in need. Eat on the site, or take to the office or home. The weather should be ideal around noontime. 76 degrees, partly cloudy skies and a soft spring breeze, about 5 mph.

(2) Deadline for filing income tax is next Tuesday, April 18. Proceeds go to Congress and the President who determine where and how much….

Saw a news article recently where a former Bladen County Emergency Services Director is now the Director – Intelligence, Security, & Emergency Response at US Department of Transportation in Washington, DC. Michael Lowder came to Bladen County in the ’80s as a SBI agent. He recently represented the US at a NATO conference in Bucharest, Romania. Actually, he has been all around the world in similar roles, China, Russia, to mention a few. From Happy Valley Road, Elizabethtown, NC to locations worldwide. Good to see folks do well.

We are excited our BladenOnline, fearless leaders Charlotte and Erin are scheduled to return home today after some time in Pennsylvania, including stops at chocolate outlets, according to their posts. Just feel safer when they are on the job.

Dixie Youth action in underway and moms and dads, players and coaches are turning out in full force. Keep these youngsters busy, good for them, and good to have volunteers to work with them. Some of my most memorable days were spent on playgrounds with youngsters, 14 years, 14 good years.

Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing. Warren Spahn

Youth baseball is a very good thing because it keeps the kids out of the house and the parents off the street. Yogi Berra

Who in their infinite wisdom decreed that Little League uniforms be white? Certainly not a mother. Erma Bombeck

Bladen County firefighters came together to train for a possible farm emergency. In this training session firefighters learned how to safely extricate a person trapped in a blueberry harvester.

These simulated training sessions help firefighters to learn valuable skills in the event of an incident involving someone trapped in a piece of equipment.

Taking part in the class were members of the Bay Tree Lakes, White Lake, Kelly, Rowan, Atkinson, and Bladen County EMS and Bladen County Emergency Management. The class was held at Rowan Fire Department and was taught by Asst. Chief Brandon Norris of Kelly.

The weather is not always sunny and warm. The American Red Cross volunteers are aware life can bring some hard times.

The Bladen County Deputy Fire Marshall, Kenneth Clark, announced the non-profit is at the Elizabethtown Fire Department today, Wednesday, April 12th accepting applications for volunteers. Clark said the plan is to have a sign up event every month in Bladen County to encourage more Red Cross volunteers in the area.

The Red Cross has been helping Bladen County residents for years. During Hurricane Matthew in 2016 the group committed to assisting others helped distribute food, blankets and supplies in Bladen County and the surrounding areas.

The Elizabethtown Fire Department is located at 401 W. Swanzy Street in Elizabethtown. For more information about the non-profit looking for volunteers visit: http://www.redcross.org/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (04/12/17) – Tools for Healing is a no cost workshop offered by Lower Cape Fear Hospice. If you are coping with the death of a loved one, join us Tuesday, May 9, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at our Bladen County Office, 116 W. Broad Street in Elizabethtown. To register, call 910-515-6689. Because of our generous donors, these caring, no cost counseling services and programs are available to all. Your donation is always appreciated.

Most of us have loved and lost special people in our lives and we understand that coping with grief is a challenging process. If you and/or your friends and family are having difficulty dealing with the loss of a loved one, we are here to help.

Grief workshops will be offered the second Tuesday of each month through June at our Bladen County office. Each will focus on a specific aspect of grief and the grieving process.

Throughout the year, we offer compassionate care, educational and enrichment opportunities that support many types of loss in safe and familiar environments. Grief counseling services are available to LCFH patients’ families, as well as others in the community.

Lower Cape Fear Hospice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest level of care and comfort to patients with life-limiting illness; support and counseling to families; and education to the community. For more information, visit lcfh.org.

Contributed photos by: Diane Trinidad

Sometimes you never know where children may go once they graduate and travel away from Bladen County. One West Bladen High School graduate, Stephen Damasco, is leading the way in physical fitness.

Stephen is 27 years old from Clarkton, NC placed 2nd place in the North Carolina State NPC (National Physique Committee) competition on April 8th for the open Men’s Physique Class A according to Diane Trinidad.

 The competition placement qualifies Stephen to enter for the IFBB (International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness) Nationals. His goal is to obtain an IFBB PRO™ card and his ultimate goal is to enter at the Mr. Olympia competition which is also organized by IFBB according to Trinidad.

Stephen is a product of Clarkton School of Discovery and West Bladen High School. He is also a graduate of the Massage Therapy Program at Southeastern Community College in Whiteville.

Two bids for a paving project funded by Powell Bill Funds created some debate at Monday’s town meeting in Bladenboro. The disagreement was on which areas should be priority for paving. Paving at a public housing area or at a “tax paying citizens” road was the argument.

Item number 6 on the town’s agenda was the consideration of paving bids for Harmony Drive.

Mayor Rufus Duckworth annouced two bids were submitted for the job of paving Harmony Drive. The first bid was from Legion Asphalt for $16,244.00. The second bid was from a local company, Sykes Paving, coming in at $20350.00.

Billy Benson moved to accept the lowest bid, Gene North made the second motion. The vote was then open for discussion.

Commissioner Sarah Benson spoke up to say, “I can’t comprehend to save my life. Why we gonna pave Harmony Homes when we’ve got streets that look like we’ve got that we’ve got tax paying citizens on?”

Benson the asked, “What does Harmony Homes bring to this town?” She also said, “These people in the apartments are not bringing a single thing to the table.” She went on to say, “Why are we not gonna look out for our own tax paying people before we jump out there and pave the projects?”

Commissioner  Billy Ray Benson explained his opinion, “I feel like the people in the Harmony Homes, they buy groceries here, they buy gas here, they eat here, they are part of Bladenboro just as good as everybody else.” Benson went on to say, ”Just because they are a lower class people and have to have help, that we shouldn’t be holding that against them.”

It was stated that the time for discussion on this matter was last month, whereas Commissioner Sarah Benson said she was against it then as she is against it now.

A vote was taken and the item passed 3 to 2.

Other topics discussed at the Monday, April 10th meeting:

– Boost the Boro, Inc requests funding for landscape 

– Concerns over a burned house were made by a citizen.

Charles Benton, a resident of Bladenboro, stepped up to voice his concerns about a burned out house on the corner of 5^th and Bladen. Mr. Benton stated that over a year ago, he came to the board with his concerns and was told that nothing could be done until an investigation was finished. Mr. Benton stated that he spoke to Police Chief and the investigation has been finished for a year now. Nothing has been done and he would like the board to consider doing something about it.

– The first Public Hearing was the Proposed Leaf & Grass Ordinance. First to speak on this matter was Don White. He told the board that he thought it was a welcome sight to see the street sweeper out a few weeks ago.

White then stated that he was in favor of the Leaf & Grass Ordinance, feeling that it will improve the drainage situation. He             stated that if the property owners were required to bag grass or pile it on the street, it is important for the town to keep the               gutters clean. 

Charles Benton also spoke his thoughts on the condition of Grass Street. He stated that he believes the trucks from the                     JC Pallet Co., has torn the street to pieces and he wishes that there was a way to make the pallet company fix it. He stated                 this should be addressed.

Item number one, Consideration of Leaf & Grass Ordinance, was passed.

– The second Public Hearing was the Proposed Ashe Street Signage.

Opening with his comments was Mr. Dan Hester. He stated that he appreciates the patrol on Ashe Street and thinks that the            extra patrol has helped. He noted that many of his neighbors were present tonight and a lot of his neighbors had children                on that street. Hester hopes that the board considers the Ordinance carefully and states his favor for the Ordinance.

Next up to speak was resident Don White. He stated that he was in favor of the signage. He sees cars traveling 40 to 50 miles           per hour. He would like to see a stop sign on Poplar Street, Bladen Street and White Street, Bladen Street being a 4 way stop           and White Street being a 3 way stop.

Ricky Hunt then stepped up to express his opposition to the Ordinance. Hunt feels that the noise level will go up with the                 cars stopping and starting. He also is concerned that stopping or slowing down people would give them time to look around,           which may lead to an escalation of the number of thefts on the street. Hunt feels that it the job of the police to control the                 speed on the street.

At this point, he public hearing was closed and a motion was brought and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda.

A motion was made by Billy Benson and seconded by Sarah Benson for item number two, Consideration of Ashe Street                     Signage. At this point, Commissioner Gene North said some of the residents of Ashe Street, that he has spoken to, were                     opposed to the signage. Commissioner Sarah Benson then stated that the road is a disaster and she is concerned about the               safety of the children. Commissioner Cris Harrelson spoke up and said he is a resident of Ashe Street and has seen the                       speeding cars. He also noted that there were many residents present at the meeting with only 3 signed up to speak about the           issue. He did not want to make a decision that would affect the residents without knowing how they felt.

Several citizens spoke up on the matter. After discussion from several citizens and elected officals the vote passed in favor for the signage.

– Item number four was the Consideration of Resolution creating and appointing Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee. A motion was made with a second on the motion. Vote taken, item passed.

– Item number five, Consideration of contracting for temporary WWTP Backup ORC. Vote taken, item passed.

Item Number 11 on Monday night’s agenda for the Bladenboro Town Board meeting was the

Consideration of Inmate Labor.

Kip McClary, Bladen County Service Manager, stepped up to speak and answer any questions. He

manages the inmate labor for Bladen County. McClary stated that the inmate program can be difficult to

manage, but the Department of Corrections works well to take care of any problems that may arise.

It was discussed then by members of the board about if the town was understaffed. It was stated that

normally the town hired local citizens for seasonal and part time labor to mow and do landscaping. It

was stated that to hire local would mean that the money would stay local.

A vote was taken and the Consideration of Inmate Labor was voted down.

Volleyball is a sport Bladen County students compete in. Currently Volleyball Coach Gaye Davis is accepting applications for a Volleyball Clinic and it doesn’t matter what school the student attends.

Gaye said, “We really want to improve our volleyball in our county.  It does not matter where you attend school or which high school you will attend.  We want to see volleyball play improve in our county and give our girls more access to play college volleyball.”

Volleyball Clinic application

Elizabethtown and White Lake business leaders heard about the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve from Dr. Darrell Page. The local chamber lunch also had a spotlight member, Jeremy White, with Woodmen of the World discuss his services on Tuesday, April 11th at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market.

Many businesses and local government agencies hire veterans and members of the Guard and Reserve. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a program created in 1972 to assist businesses in their obligations to their employees who are serving in the National Guard or Reserves.

Dr. Darrell Page, who volunteers his time with the ESRG, said the idea is to help employers by assisting them with easing conflicts that can arise from an employee’s military service. Dr. Page said a business can not fire a Reservist for needing to miss work for drills or due to deployments.

The ESRG also recognizes civilian employers for their efforts in supporting their employees who are veterans or who are members of the National Guard or Reserves.

Page presented the chamber with a certificate from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for their support within their organization.

Jeremy, with Woodmen of the World explained to those in attendance his services. He offers different insurance options and other financial services. For more information about Jeremy’s services you may contact him at JRWhite@woodmen.org or call 910-872-1362.

For more information about the ESGR, watch our video:

WASHINGTON – In March, Chinese telecom firm ZTE agreed to pay over $1 billion in fines for violating U.S. law by selling embargoed technology to Iran.  This action followed bipartisan pressure led by Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09).

In documents filed with the Commerce Department, ZTE referred to a second company, identified only as “F7,” which also violated U.S. export control laws.  While Congressman Pittenger is aware of a mid-2016 subpoena related to this case, there is no evidence of further action or enforcement activity.

Today, Congressman Pittenger wrote Commerce Secretary Ross to urge that Commerce publicly identify “F7” and take action to hold that company responsible for violating U.S. law.

“We appreciate President Trump and Secretary Ross’ quick action to hold ZTE accountable, which contrasts with the near-inaction by President Obama’s team,” said Congressman Pittenger after mailing the letter.  “Now that we have successfully held ZTE accountable for violating U.S. law, we need to take the next step in identifying F7, fully investigating their alleged crimes, and holding them accountable.”

Congressman Pittenger’s letter to Commerce Secretary Ross was co-signed by Representatives Mike Rogers (AL-03), Chris Smith (NJ-04), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Dana Rohrabacher (CA-48), Randy Weber (TX-14), Walter Jones (NC-03), Sam Johnson (TX-03), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08).

Letter to Commerce re F7 Identification 4.12.17

CLINTON – Clinton swept a Four County Conference boys tennis double-header from West Bladen Wednesday by scores of 5-1 and 9-0. The Knights dropped to 0-4 in Four County play.

Clinton 5, West Bladen 1

Singles

Zach Darden (C) defeated Joseluis Osorio (WB) 8-0

Tate Sykes (WB) defeated Turner Wells (C) 8-3

Peter Darden (C) defeated Edgardo Lara (WB) 8-0

Cooper Brewen (C) defeated Jacob Hester (WB) 8-0

Nicholas Brewen (C) defeated Victor Avellano (WB) 8-0

Rick Daughtry (C) defeated Fernando Carranza (WB) 8-0

Clinton 9, West Bladen 0

Singles

Zach Darden (C) defeated Joseluis Osorio (WB) 8-1

Turner Wells (C) defeated Tate Sykes (WB) 8-1

Peter Darden (C) defeated Edgardo Lara (WB) 8-0

Cooper Brewen (C) defeated Jacob Hester (WB) 8-0

Nicholas Brewen (C) defeated Victor Avellano (WB) 8-1

Rick Daughtry (C) defeated Fernando Carranza (WB) 8-1

Doubles

Darden/Wells (C) defeated Osorio/Hester (WB) 6-0

N. Brewen/Daughtry (C) defeated F. Carranza/Avellano (WB) 6-3

Trevor Leggett/Jared Stephenson (C) defeated Eduardo Carranza/Logan Lewis (WB) 6-0

ELIZABETHTOWN – Kayleigh Raynor pitched a one-hitter and hit for the cycle Tuesday to lead Elizabethtown to a 17-0 Bladen Five Middle School Conference baseball victory over Clarkton School of Discovery.

Raynor singled to left field in the first inning, blasted a triple to left-centerfield in the second inning, slammed a double in her third at-bat and walloped a grand-slam home run to end the game on the mercy rule in the third inning.

In the circle Raynor struck out 5 batters in 3 innings and only allowed a second-inning single to Khadijah Jones for the only Lady Blue Devil hit.

Raynor, Abigail Madden and Lainey Hughes scored 3 runs each to lead the Elizabethtown offense. Teammates Carlie West, Alexus Mitchell and Laura Davidson scored 2 runs each. Tinyuah Rhodie and Cheylee scored one run each.

Elizabethtown will host Tar Heel Thursday, while Clarkton will entertain Bladenboro.

ROSE HILL – West Bladen and Union battled to a 4-4 tie in Four County Conference jayvee baseball action Wednesday. Knight Coach Todd Pait said that Union’s Athletic Director decided not to play extra innings.

Freshman Tyre Boykin blasted a triple and an inside-the-park home run to lead the West Bladen hitters. Sophmores David Valenta and Thomas West both belted 2 hits in 3 at-bats, and freshman Colby White cracked 2 hits in his 4 trips to the plate.

Sophmores Dalton Pait and Jeremy Pait connected for one hit each for the Knights.  West Bladen is now 3-5-1 in league play and 7-7-1 overall.