Rowan County's American Legion baseball team opened its season with a 7‑5 loss to Liberty Post 81 on Tuesday night, a game that began with a jarring five‑run opening inning for the visitors.
Liberty's early onslaught was fueled by home runs from Tyler Westbrooks and Chance Holdaway, establishing a lead that proved difficult to chase.
Rowan responded with single runs in the second, fourth and seventh innings, moving the runners along with a disciplined approach that included four stolen bases.
Standout Performances
Debutant Dylan Alexander, a right‑hander from Carson, delivered a solid two‑inning stretch that featured five strikeouts while keeping the score tidy. Jayven Parks, a 2025 Carson graduate, contributed two hits and two runs, underscoring the team's offensive potential despite the final margin.
The effort was not without promise; the squad's pitching staff showed flashes of control, and the defense turned in several key plays that kept the game within reach.
Looking Ahead
Rowan County will next travel to Finch Field to meet High Point, with the contest scheduled to begin at the venue's customary 6 p.m. start time. The team hopes to translate the early‑season lessons into a stronger showing as the schedule progresses.