By Junious Smith III

SNOW HILL — Greene Central got back on the winning track before its season finale.

The Rams defeated Farmville Central 5-3 Monday in the team’s final home game of 2019. Greene Central (11-6) snapped a three-game losing streak, falling to South Lenoir April 17 before the Pitt County Easter Tournament last week to South Central and Greenville Conley, two of the top six teams in the state according to Maxpreps.

“I think getting a little bit of rest after the tournament helped us out,” Greene Central coach Kim Jones said. “We’ve been able to hit the ball pretty well and the girls have kept a good attitude throughout.”

The Rams started strong with Daly Keel’s RBI triple in the first, followed by Madison Warren’s run-scoring double an inning later. On the mound, Laura Wade threw two perfect innings, but after Ja’Shyrah Carmon’s infield single to lead off the top of the third, Farmville Central (11-8) would eventually load the bases with two outs. Sydney Wade’s fly ball was dropped, allowing two runs to score and tie the game for the Jaguars.

Greene Central came back in the bottom of the fourth, benefiting from an error as well. Elexie Sutton’s two-out grounder was mishandled, allowing Madison Holloman to score and put the Rams in front. One inning later, Starr Benton contributed with a 2-run single to put Greene Central ahead 5-2.

“Usually, I would visualize where I see the ball going when I hit it,” Benton said. “It doesn’t always work, but it did here and I was able to score those runs.”

Farmville Central did score in the top of the sixth on a two-out error, but Greene Central didn’t allow another baserunner from there, getting the final four Jaguar outs in succession.

Jones said the focus is now on Ayden-Grifton Thursday to solidify a postseason birth.

“I hope we’re able to make the playoffs because these girls deserve it with the way they’ve played all season,” Jones said. “We just have to come out with this same competitiveness Thursday and we should be alright.”

Rams infielder Katelin Uzzell said the game with the Chargers is pivotal, especially considering the first meeting on April 3. Uzzell’s walkoff single gave the Rams a 7-6 victory after Ayden-Grifton rallied to score three in the top of the seventh.

“We know what we have to do Thursday if we want to make it to the playoffs, and we’ve got to play our best,” Uzzell said.