Twelve brave, spirited and hopeful baseball players from the Babe Ruth Division of the Holly Springs Recreation League went to Henderson for the State Playoff games on Saturday July 23. Although uniforms were soaked from the 100 degree heat, spirits were not dampened when Post 50 American Legion Team from Laurinburg won the third playoff game of the tournament by a score of 8-2.

At the bottom of the second inning, with Alex Stephenson pitching and Matt Wallis behind the plate, the sixth hitter for Post 50 came to the box with the bases loaded. Holly Springs’ pitcher, Alex Stephenson drummed up the gusto to strike out the hitter.

For the players, fans, parents and out of town grandparents, it was the first of several exciting moments when all forgot about sweltering and enjoyed superb playing.

Another exciting play was at home plate. It was the bottom of the third inning when a loose ball encouraged an opposition player to ‘go for home’ where he was met near home plate by former ice hockey player, Matt Wallis for the play of the game, runner out!

Although Holly Springs was down by two (3-1, Post 50) in the top of the fourth, there seemed to be some sort of agitation from the opposition when one of the Holly Springs’ coaches helped to resolve it without fanfare and play resumed.

Holly Springs can be very proud of these players, although losing the third game in a double elimination tournament, the coaches and players alike displayed a tremendous amount of sportsmanship at its best - in 100 degree heat.