Big inning costly for Northwood in 4-2 loss to 4A power Pinecrest

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FAYETTEVILLE — It was a pitcher’s duel for most of the game here on Monday evening in Fayetteville as 4A power Pinecrest edged a valiant Northwood squad 4-2 in semi-final round action of the Terry Sanford Easter Tournament.

Pinecrest (17-3) broke open a scoreless tie in the top of the second with four runs which proved to be enough as Northwood (12-7) could tally just half of that with both runs coming in the third.

Jason Szczypinski suffered the loss for the Chargers on the mound after being roughed up for four runs in the second to close the game with 1.1 innings worked and allowing six hits, a walk and three earned runs while striking out a pair.

Dylan Hitt was impressive in relief after going 4.2 innings and yielding just a hit and two walks to the potent Patriot offense while fanning eight.

Pinecrest starter Pres Ostert went six innings to get the win after allowing two hits, two unearned runs, two walks and fanning nine.

Matt Heiman collected the save after working the seventh and walking one and fanning one.

The Patriots plated its four runs in the top of the second sparked by lead off singles from Davis Wilson and R.J. Sales. RBI singles from Nick Phan and Ethan Garner coupled with two Northwood errors, and Elliot Embler being hit by a pitch resulted in the 4-0 advantage by Pinecrest.

Northwood tallied its lone runs in the home half of the third when Quin Powell walked, Brandon Crabtree singled, Michael Posse was hit by a pitch, Tyler Johnson drew an RBI-walk, and Deuce Powell reached on an error which sent in Crabtree to make the score 4-2.

The Chargers would never score again, however, as the Patriots prevailed to advance into the tournament title game.

Crabtree was 1-for-2 with a run for Northwood while Deuce Powell was 1-for-2.

Pacing Pinecrest at the plate was Phan who was 2-for-3 with two RBI while Wilson was 2-for-3 with a run, and

Garner 1-for--3 with a run and an RBI. Phan and Wilson both doubled for the Patriots.