DAVIDSON — It started out as a normal day at the ballpark for the Rockingham Pony All-Stars, who got out early to a 2-0 lead, and were looking to cruise to another win in the PONY tournament.

However, luck was not on their side on Monday night, as Rockingham suffered its first loss of the postseason Pony tournament, falling 8-3 to Little Creek National from Virginia.

James Buie took the mound for Rockingham, looking to set the tone for the game. For much of the night, he was successful, only giving up one run until the sixth inning.

Then the Little Creek National team hit their stride against Buie and struck for four runs in the inning, to take a 5-2 lead.

Buie took the loss in the game, but his pitching was solid through the first five, only allowing one run and four hits through five innings.

The defense didn’t help Buie out, as no communication could be heard on the field, and errors sealed the fate of Rockingham.

“There was absolutely no communication between our players tonight,” said Rockingham coach Robert Steele. “They were intimidated as soon as the Little Creek pitcher started throwing.”

Rockingham needs to get back to the style of play that has brought it this far, Steele said.

“We have to come out hit the ball, and be confident. Errors hurt us in the field tonight, and tomorrow night we have to clean it up and communicate defensively,” Steele added.

The Rockingham All-stars were missing two players due to commitments to Richmond junior summer baseball, but Steele made no excuses.

Rockingham’s offense seemed to pick up exactly where it left off in Asheboro, with a lead-off single, and then a home run by Elijah Goodwin to jump out to a early 2-0 lead. But that was Rockingham’s last scoring until the top of the sixth inning.

Rockingham was expected to be at full strength Tuesday night for an elimination game against West Piedmont.

Contact Sports Reporter Travis Anderson at 997-3111 ext. 44 or via e-mail at tanderson@yourdailyjournal.com.