BURLINGTON – Carter Boyd from Reagan dominated Game 1, but the Fuquay-Varina bats woke up and dominated Game 2, pounding out 17 hits and plating 13 runs on their way to a 13-3 victory over Reagan in Game 2 of the 4A State Championship best-of-three Series.
Rhett James got Fuquay-Varina off to a quick start, scoring the game’s first run in the top of the first. James doubled to lead off the game, coming around to score when Aidan Cannaday singled to right with one out. James scored four times in the game, going three for four at the plate with a walk and an RBI. Cannaday, for his part, was two for five with three RBI’s as the Bengals lineup mashed Reagan pitching.
Senior third baseman Parker McGraw showed his offensive prowess, driving in five runs, including a three-run homer to left in the third. He finished the game three for four with a run scored and a walk.
Cyle Phelan was outstanding for the Bengals, spinning six innings of three-hit ball from the mound. Phelan allowed three runs, two of them earned, while striking out three and walking five. He emptied the tank in the sixth, giving up a run to the Raiders on a single to Noah Quarless that followed two walks and extended the game for another inning.
Fuquay-Varina did turn to Daniel Eagen in the seventh to finish the game off. He struck out one without allowing a baserunner. However, he did use 10 pitches to finish the game.
The decisive Game 3 in the 4A State Championship Series is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. today at Burlington Athletic Stadium. The game will be broadcast live through the NFHS Network and is available for Network subscribers at $10.95 per month.
