A Championship Night
The final whistle blew on a chilly evening in North Carolina as Whiteville edged East Rutherford 3‑2, clinching the 2026 NCHSAA 3A baseball championship and securing the program’s ninth state title.
Whiteville struck first, plating three runs in the top of the third inning, but East Rutherford answered with two in the bottom, turning the game into a tense back‑and‑forth battle.
What ultimately separated the teams was a stingy defense that limited the opposition to just two hits, a performance that head coach Connor Grainger highlighted as the foundation of the win.
MVP Honors
Senior Layton McLean, named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, earned the win in the decisive game and spoke about the squad’s fighting spirit, emphasizing that the team refused to back down despite the pressure.
Coach Grainger took the opportunity to thank the local community, noting that fan support throughout the season had been a cornerstone of the team’s confidence and resilience.
After the final out, players gathered with supporters for photos, a visual testament to the bond between the Wolfpack and the town that helped secure the ninth state championship.