Rowan County’s American Legion baseball team posted an 11-8 win over Randolph County on Tuesday at McCrary Park, extending its winning streak to four games.
The locals jumped out to a 5-3 advantage in the first three innings, but the contest remained tightly contested as the game unfolded.
A decisive fifth inning flipped the momentum
Rowan trailed 6-5 before a five-run burst turned the tide, highlighted by Maddox Moore’s single that brought home Cole Blevins to knot the game at 6-6.
The rally continued with Carter Durant’s groundout that put Rowan ahead, followed by Drew Pegram’s fielder’s choice that stretched the lead to 8-6. Brody Pope then delivered an RBI double, and an error on Gaige Scruggs’ bunt added two more runs, pushing the cushion to 10-6.
Kendal Sifford capped the outburst with a solo homer in the seventh, providing insurance after replacing Jayven Parks, who was sidelined by a shoulder issue.
Pitching played a crucial role; Parker Durant was touched for a two-run homer in the opening frame, but Luke Ponczka stepped in to close out the fifth and preserve the lead. Carter Durant later tossed a scoreless sixth, while Ponczka finished with a perfect 4-for-4 performance at the plate.
Overall, Rowan compiled 16 hits compared to Randolph’s 10, with Moore leading the way with three hits, four RBIs and two stolen bases. Blevins added three hits, including two doubles, and scored twice, while Cam Williamson contributed a hit, two walks and two runs.