A Nail‑Biter in the 3A Finals
East Rutherford survived a late rally by Whiteville to win 5‑4 in ten innings, extending the best‑of‑three series to a decisive third game. The Cavaliers led 4‑1 entering the seventh, but the Wildcats tied the contest before East Rutherford answered in the top of the tenth.
The Winning Run
Malachi Dato delivered the game‑winning RBI in the tenth, capping a clutch performance that saw the Cavaliers outlast a resilient Whiteville squad. The relief effort by Eli Webb, who recorded six strikeouts, and starter Caleb Bennett, who pitched seven solid innings, kept the Wildcats at bay long enough for the final blow.
Key Moments and Performances
Jake Odham’s two‑run double trimmed the deficit, while Wyatt Torelli added an RBI single. Lathan McClean’s hit tied the game at four in the seventh, setting the stage for the extra‑inning drama. The eighth and ninth innings were scoreless, heightening the tension before Dato’s walk‑off.
Looking Ahead to Holly Springs
Both teams will reconvene in Holly Springs for the championship finale. East Rutherford aims to carry the momentum from their ten‑inning effort, while Whiteville hopes to rebound after a narrow loss. The upcoming game promises another tightly contested battle.