Taylor Smith threw 92 pitches on Tuesday at Lawrence.
(Photo/Laura Parrish)

Cape Fear Christian Academy varsity baseball coach Bill Parrish had never beaten Lawrence. That included the 2013 state championship at Fleming Stadium in Wilson.

The Warriors beat the Eagles three times in 2024 — 16-0 on March 4 at CFCA, 3-2 at Lawrence on March 21 and 4-1 in the state semifinals at Lawrence on May 13.

Parrish coached the Eagles from 2006 to 2013 and returned to the position in 2023.

“We’ve had some 1-run games with them,” but never a win,” Parrish said.

There’s a first time for everything and that first time for the Eagles was a 9-8 triumph at Lawrence on Tuesday.

The Warriors have win eight state titles dating back to 2002 and are the defending state champions.

“It’s a pretty big deal for us, even if it’s just a regular season game,” Parrish said.

The Eagles (3-2) trailed, 7-6, going into the seventh inning but scored three runs to break through against the hosts, who slipped to 0-3, according to MaxPreps.

Freshman Tyson Stephens and Cooper Davis each had two hits for CFCA. Stephens had a double and a stolen base. Davis had an RBI.

Conner Parrish had a hit, two RBIs, two runs and two steals.

Eli Burns had a hit, an RBI and scored two runs. Parker McLamb had a hit, a run and an RBI. Fisher Stancil scored two runs.

Stancil and Taylor Smith handled the pitching.

Smith went five and two-thirds innings. He allowed seven hits and seven runs (three earned) with no walks and seven strikeouts.

Stancil tossed an inning and one-third. He yielded one hit and one run (earned) with two walks and two whiffs.

CFCA has a nonconference game at home with Pungo (2-2) on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Conner Parrish had a productive day at the plate and behind it.
(Photo/Laura Parrish)

Eli Burns scored two runs on Tuesday in a 9-8 win at Lawrence.
(Photo/Laura Parrish)