SILER CITY — Looking to maintain the momentum from their first-round victory over East Chatam, the Hamlet 12-year-old All-Stars took the field Friday night against area rival Laurinburg in the Cal Ripken District Tournament here.

Unfortunately, things did not go the Hamlet boys’ way Friday night, as Laurinburg recorded an 8-4 victory.

With the loss, the Hamlet All-Stars are one loss away from elimination. They return to action tonight at 6 p.m.

The 11-year-old All-Stars’ game against Laurinburg had a happier results, as Hamlet won, 11-8. Chase Haywood was the winning pitcher for Hamlet. Josh Johnson was 3-for-4 with an RBI, two stolen bases and three runs scored to lead the Hamlet attack.

The Hamlet 11-year-old All-Stars, who have not lost yet, face an opponent to be determined today at 2 p.m.

The Hamlet 12-year-olds sent Dylan Carpenter to the mound Friday night. He put together a strong first inning, but defensive errors plagued Hamlet the rest of the night.

In the top of the third inning, Laurinburg took advantage of a Hamlet throwing error to take a 1-0 lead.

Hamlet answered back in its half of the frame, with Dylan Carpenter reaching base on a throwing error. Carpenter then stole second and third before Ryan Ross brought him home with a sacrifice fly.

The score was tied at 1-1 in the top of the third. But Laurinburg erupted for six runs on four throwing errors by Hamlet. Laurinburg scored twice more in the top of the fourth.

Hamlet battled back in the bottom of the third with a leadoff home run over the left field fence by Dylan Callahan. But Hamlet managed just two runs the rest of the way.

Callahan was a bright spot for Hamlet, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Jamie Graham and Dylan Carpenter each swiped three bases for Hamlet.

Hamlet will have to sweep the rest of the tournament to advance to the state tournament in Raleigh.

Contact sports reporter Travis Anderson at 997-3111, ext. 14 or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.