AHOSKIE – The Falcons scored five runs in the fourth frame to break open a 2-1 game.

That inning helped Bertie beat Hertford County 7-3 in a Northeastern Coastal Conference baseball game that was called after five innings because of rain.

&uot;Lance threw a good game,&uot; BHS skipper Randy Whitaker said. &uot;We were patient at the plate and at good pitches.

&uot;Lance’s homerun gave us a spark,&uot; he added. &uot;With all the injuries we have had, it is good to win our last game. Our three seniors – Lance, Jed and Matt – went out with a victory tonight.&uot;

Bertie opened the scoring with two runs in the top of the third inning.

With two out, senior Lance Thomas belted a solo homerun right. Matt White then singled and went to second on a Jed Hughes single. White scored on an Aaron Hoggard RBI-single to left.

Hertford County responded in the bottom of the third inning.

Richard Burns singled on the infield and went to third on a double by Ryan Matthews. Burns scored on a Michael Burton RBI-groundout to make it 2-1 after three complete innings.

In the fourth frame, Bertie plated five to secure the victory.

Ethan Boller walked before Scott Hoggard hit a two-run homer to left-centerfield to make it 4-1.

Charlie Castelloe then walked, Brent Bowen singled and Thomas reached on an error to load the bases.

Castelloe scored on a wild pitch, Bowen raced home on a White sacrifice fly and Thomas scored on an A. Hoggard RBI-single to left. That gave Bertie a 7-1 lead.

The Bears scored two in the home half of the fifth inning.

Travis Ellis singled on the infield, but was thrown out when Burns reached on a fielder’s choice. Burns went to second on an error during the play and made it to third on Matthews’ single to right. Burton plated Burns on an RBI-single which sent Matthews to third. Matthews then scored on a wild pitch to make it 7-3.

The game was then called due to rain.

Thomas pitched five innings for the Falcons. He picked up the win by allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out seven.

Mizelle tossed three innings for the Bears, suffering the loss, while Matthews hurled the last two.

Hertford County wrapped up the season 3-20 and 1-11 in the league.

&uot;Lance’s homerun was a back-breaker,&uot; second-year HCHS coach Chris Towell said. &uot;A bad hop and errors cost us five runs in the fourth inning.

&uot;We kept fighting all year and never gave up,&uot; he added. &uot;We have all nine starters back next year and will come back ready to play.&uot;

Bertie finished the season 7-16 overall and 3-9 inside the Northeastern Coastal Conference.