By Lynn Schofer

The Nanticoke Minor League all-star baseball team led Lower Sussex 9-4 into the fourth inning of the District III tournament but fell by a score of 16-10 in the game played in Seaford. Lower Sussex utilized 15 total walks in the game to overtake Nanticoke for the win.

Nanticoke’s James Brown, Jr. opened the game when he was hit on the leg by Lower Sussex pitcher Brian Seymour. Brown’s base stealing skills moved him up to third base and he later came home on a passed ball. Nanticoke scored a second run on a Ryan Downs’ RBI infield ground out. Nanticoke scored the third run on an error and then an

Shown (l to r) is the Nanticoke Minor League all-star baseball Team: first row- Ian Castro Mender, Max Lathbury, Lincoln Condos, Carter Lankford, Cade McAvoy; second row: Ryan Downs, James Brown, Jr, Ace Maxwell, Asher Maxwell, Deklan Lankford, Brady Hamilton; coach Jonah Lathbury, manager Tyler Massey, and coach Chris McAvoy.

other passed ball scored the fourth run when Deklan Lankford was safe at home.

Starting pitcher for Nanticoke, Max Lathbury walked a batter, struck out two, and a ground ball to second baseman Ian Castro Mendura accounted for the three outs in the inning.

Nanticoke added runs in the top of the third inning beginning with a Lincoln Condos single who moved up to third base on a steal and fielder’s choice. Catcher Ryan Downs hit into a ground ball out but collected an RBI for a 5-0 score.

Lower Sussex scored in the bottom of third inning with a walk, single to right field, and a single that loaded the bases. An error and a passed ball scored a total of three runs before Lathbury ended the inning on a ground ball out back to the mound.

Nanticoke came back in the top of the fourth inning, opening with a single by Condos but was later tagged out at home. Lower Sussex pitching loaded the bases on walks and a sacrifice fly by Brown scored Ace Maxwell. Nanticoke added two additional runs scoring both Asher Maxwell and Brady Hamilton, who slid home safely for the 8-3 score. Lathbury was walked which scored the ninth run for Nanticoke.

In the bottom of the inning, a pitching change was made for Nanticoke and Lower Sussex fed on walks and scored 11 runs on two hits for the lead. Nanticoke was able to add another run but could not overcome Lower Sussex and took the 16-10 loss.

Brown had an RBI; Downs led with two RBIs; and Condos, Langford, and Hamilton all had singles.