Jeff Linville/The News

Central’s Ethan Wilmoth shut out Chapel Hill for four innings and also had two hits, but the Eagles generated just two runs in a 4-2 loss.

slideshow

HILLSBOROUGH — Surry Central led 2-0 into the fifth inning, but fell 4-2 in the final game of a holiday baseball tournament.

The Golden Eagles played three games in as many days at the Hilltop Invitational Tournament here.

They finished 1-2 as the offense generated just four runs combined in the three games.

It was a great day for baseball Saturday with sunny skies and a light breeze, according to the coaches.

Chapel Hill High came out aggressive on the basepaths, but the Eagles were up to the challenge. In the early innings, centerfielder Caleb Mitchell threw out a runner at the plate. Then leftfielder Samuel Harris threw out a runner trying to advance.

Neither team made an error in the contest, and the good defense helped pitcher Ethan Wilmoth keep a shutout going through four innings.

In the third inning, Central got a leadoff single from Mitchell, who then stole second to move into scoring position. Austin Stevens singled to bring home Mitchell, then stole second himself to get in position for Wilmoth. A third-straight single brought home another run for a 2-0 lead.

That lasted until the fifth inning when Chapel Hill was finally able to string together some hits and stolen bases to post three runs.

Central wasn’t able to score in the bottom of the fifth or in the sixth. Wilmoth gave way to a reliever in the top of the seventh when Chapel Hill added one more run. Then the Eagles were scoreless in the seventh for the loss.

Wilmoth was the Eagles’ leading hitter, going 2-3 with an RBI. Chapel Hill posted 11 hits.

The Eagles started the game around 4 p.m., then headed home.

Central travels to West Stokes on Tuesday. Then on Saturday morning, the Eagles will face Starmount at Mount Airy.

This is part of the second-annual Playing 4 a Cure Baseball Showcase, hosted by the Granite Bears. The games raise money and increase awareness of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Former Surry County commissioner Craig Hunter is battling ALS, which also affected North Carolina pitching star Jim “Catfish” Hunter, a Hall of Famer with the Oakland A’s and New York Yankees who grew up in Hertford, N.C., near Elizabeth City. Proceeds will go to the Jim Catfish Hunter chapter of the ALS Assn.

The Golden Eagles and Rams kick off the four-game event at 11 a.m.

After that, North Surry takes on Ashe County at 1:30 p.m. East Surry faces Wilkes Central at 4 p.m., and Mount Airy finishes off the lineup at 6:30 p.m. with East Wilkes.

Admission is just $5 with concessions available on-site.