Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - The Cherryville Ironmen remained undefeated as they captured win number 13 with an 11-3 victory over the East Gaston Warriors, demonstrating that some things transcend the baseball diamond.
The Warriors returned to the field just slightly more than 24 hours after laying a teammate to rest. Keagan Lucas, a fifteen-year-old East Gaston student athlete, passed away unexpectedly last week due to complications from a sudden medical issue and emergency surgery. Traditionally, during pregame, players from each team line the baseline of their respective dugouts for the playing of the National Anthem. Tonight, in a show of respect, honor, and remembrance, the two teams broke with tradition. Players and coaches met on the pitcher’s mound to pray and share a moment of silence with those in the stands. During the National Anthem, they chose to stand united, in a show of brotherhood that goes far beyond the playing field. Players and coaches still formed lines along the baselines; however, they formed a united human chain, alternating each team with every other player or coach, with each intertwined with the others. Instead of standing as two opponents, they stood as one, as brothers, as family in solidarity. A true demonstration of what high school athletics is all about, and the bond of brotherhood formed from competing with and against others. There were more than a few moist eyes in Memorial Stadium.
The game was expected to be a competitive matchup, and it did not disappoint. Despite the final score, the contest was much closer than it indicated. It was a one-run game until Cherryville exploded for 8 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Warriors scored 3 runs on 7 hits. Zane Dodd and Jackson Messer each had two hits and 1 RBI. Parker Stafford started on the mound for East Gaston and gave up 5 earned runs, off 8 hits, walked 3, and struck out 6 over 4 1/3 innings. The Ironmen collected 11 hits and scored 11 runs. Brock Bumgardner pitched the first 2 innings and allowed 1 run, 2 hits, walked 1, and struck out 2 during his outing. Parker Anderson allowed 1 earned run and struck out 5 in 3 innings of relief. At the plate, Parker Anderson and Brock Bumgardner were a dynamic duo. Anderson went 3 for 4, scored 3 runs, and knocked in 2 RBIs. Bumgardner went 3 for 3, scored 1 run, and drove in 5 RBIs off 2 doubles and a home run. Talon Dalton also stole 2 of the 8 bases recorded by Cherryville. East Gaston started the scoring in their first turn at bat. Cam Stillwell doubled to center field, Zane Dodd singled, and Sam Price walked to load the bases. A pitch hit Aiden Gibson to plate the first run of the game. At the bottom of the inning, Parker Anderson singled a line drive to left field, then stole second base. Brock Bumgardner walked, and Anderson stole third as Bumgardner also stole second. Anderson then scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, 1-1.
Cherryville took the lead in the bottom of the third as Kenan Fowler drove a hard ground ball to center field for a single and Brock Bumgardner hit a line drive to deep center field to score Fowler for a 2-1 lead. A special moment came in the top of the fourth as Keagan Lucas’ brother, Kai Lucas, stepped to the plate. Playing with a heavy heart and undoubtedly dedicating the game to his late brother, Kai hit a hard line drive to left field that landed in just the right spot for a single. The Warrior players, coaches, and fans immediately understood the significance of the moment, and some on the Cherryville side did as well. The crowd responded with generous applause. At the bottom of the inning, Davin Digh walked. Aaron Heavener sent a hit to the right field corner that kept rolling for a triple. Digh was able to score from first base as the Ironmen went ahead 3-1. Parker Stafford started off the fifth by hitting a single and stealing second. Zane Dodd singled to score Stafford as East Gaston closed the score to 3-2.
As if this night were not already full of significant and emotional moments, fans listening to WCSL and KTC Broadcasting were given a special moment as the voice of the Ironmen for the past 40 years, Danny Eaker, returned to the press box and microphone for the rest of the game. Eaker has battled some serious health issues that forced him to step away from broadcasting, so his brief return was a special moment for the Ironmen faithful. Some of that Fraley Field magic returned as well, as Cherryville would break open the game. Parker Anderson started things off with a single and a stolen base. A wild pitch sent him to third base. Brock Bumgardner hit a monster 2-run home run over the deepest part of the outfield, easily over 400 feet. Talon Dalton reached on an error, advanced to second on the same error, and stole third. After stealing third, he thought about stealing home, advanced too far, and was picked off. Chandler Wooten singled and stole second. Davin Digh hit a line drive to center field for a double that scored Wootan. Aaron Heavner walked, followed by Maddox Carrigan walking, and Kenan Fowler walked as Davin Digh scored. Parker Anderson singled to center field, scoring Heavner. Courtesy runner Colton Robinson also scored. Brock Bumgardner launched a line drive to center field that bounced off the wall for a double that scored Fowler and Anderson. Cherryville now led 11-2. East Gaston could only produce 1 run in the top of the final inning. Parker Stafford walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jackson Messer reached on an error to score Stafford.
The Ironmen improved to 13-0 overall and 9-0 in conference play. The Warriors dropped to 7-6 overall and 5-3 in the conference. Cherryville remains in first place, followed closely by Burns and Stuart W. Cramer, both at 9-1. Cherryville will spend part of Spring Break in Florida at Disney’s Wide World of Sports, playing 3 games. Upon their return, they will play two games against Burns: one at home on April 14th and one in Lawndale on April 16th. There will be a rescheduled game against East Gaston on April 29th at Mt. Holly, followed by two games against Stuart Cramer. It appears the battle for the conference title will come down to the wire. Quite a bit of exciting baseball is left for April.
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