Holly Springs erupted in a 9‑4 victory over Cardinal Gibbons in the opening contest of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s 7A Baseball East Regional Finals, a clash that unfolded under the bright lights of Raleigh.
Power Hitting Defines Opening Game
The early going saw senior right‑hander Noah Rhoades launch a solo homer in the top of the first, pushing the lead to 3‑0 before Cardinal Gibbons answered with a two‑run shot from Bryce Fitzsimmons that narrowed the gap to 3‑2.
Rhoades, who finished with six innings pitched and eight strikeouts, continued to dominate on the mound while also contributing at the plate, his early blast setting the tone for a game that featured a total of five long balls.
The second inning brought a flurry of activity as Gabriel Cooper’s single set up a run, and later Hodge Williams, the senior catcher, added a leadoff homer in the fifth before delivering a deep double in the sixth that plated three more runs. Coach Rod Whitesell lauded the offensive surge, while junior Austin Harris drove in a crucial RBI single, and senior Anthony Zezza anchored the defense with a key out.
Cardinal Gibbons tried to rally in the seventh, with Caleb Tarkenton’s single keeping hope alive, but sophomore Graham Virag’s two‑run homer trimmed the deficit, though the effort fell short.
With the series tied, Holly Springs will host Game 2 on Thursday, looking to capitalize on the momentum and secure a spot in the state championship series.