Ever since last year’s loss in the American Legion state championship game, the Cary Bulls have been working toward one thing — another shot at a title.

With two convincing wins at last weekend’s Eastern state qualifier, the Bulls put themselves in position to make another run at glory. Cary beat Leland 12-2 on Sunday to advance to this week’s state tournament in Kinston.

“I couldn’t ask for it to be any better this weekend,” said Bulls head coach Ron Powell. “We’re ready. We’ve been working hard all season long.”

The Bulls racked up 16 hits and allowed just seven against Leland.

“Coach Powell has been talking to us a lot about how this is where we have to peak in the season,” said Bulls pitcher James Todd. “Everyone has to come together and do their role to be successful, and I think we did that this weekend.”

The turning point of the game came in the fourth inning with Leland up to bat, trailing 4-1. Leland had the bases loaded with no outs when Dillon Rudio, David Hamm and Nolan Poythress teamed up for a double play to halt the potential rally. 

“Our bats were good, we piled up a lot of hits and the defense was flawless,” said Powell, referring to Sunday’s performance.

In the sixth inning, Cary unleashed a barrage of six runs on six hits, capped off by Todd’s walk-off RBI single to close out the game.

“We really hit the ball better than I think we have all year,” said Bulls infielder Grant Shambley.

With a 44-7 record, Cary is expected to be the No. 1 seed in this week’s state tournament in Kinston. Despite winning three state championships in the last six years, the Bulls aren’t feeling the pressure.

“There’s a little bit of pressure because I think everyone expects us to do well but I think we’ll overcome that,” said Shambley.

Added Todd, “It’s a great program, so there’s always pressure to succeed but no more than there usually is.”