Three games in four days proved too much for the pitching staff of Coats-Erwin Middle School’s baseball team on Thursday.

The Falcons were tied with visiting Harnett Central through five innings before Central pulled away to a 13-2 win as Coats-Erwin’s mound staff was depleted following wins earlier in the week against Western Harnett and Overhills.

The outcome dropped the Falcons to 3-1.

Coats-Erwin is scheduled to return to action on Monday, April 9, at home against Shughart.

The Raiders improved to 4-0.

The Falcons took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the third when Jamari Thompson’s double scored Shay Jackson and Braxton Davis, who was pinch running for pitcher Hayden Pope, who had drawn a walk. The Falcons led
until Central tied the game in the fifth inning.

The Raiders scored seven runs in the top of the sixth.

Jalen Evans led the Falcons with two hits. Adding hits were Hunter Thompson and Jamari Thompson.