Before every game, the Cary Bulls devote 45 minutes of practice to turning double plays.

In a 4-1 win over Oxford in the conference playoffs on Saturday, their practice paid off. The Bulls turned three double plays and pitcher Nolan Poythress pitched a complete game as Cary advanced to the regional as a No. 1 seed.

“Not only do those plays get you out of an inning, but they really break the other team’s spirit,” said Cary coach Ron Powell. “It’s a back breaker.”

In the second inning, catcher Anthony Colantino completed a strike-out, throw-out double play on a stolen base attempt to second base. Shortstop David Hamm, infielder Grant Shambley and first basemen Blair Betts teamed up for two more plays to close out the third and fifth innings.

While the defense held Oxford to just one run, it was a three-run first inning that created the difference in the game.  Doubles by Shambley and Hamm gave Cary a 1-0 lead. An Oxford balk and a sacrifice fly by Poythress quickly extended the margin to 3-0. 

“We just had good defense and good hits,” Hamm said. “It’s good to come out with the win.” Oxford had proven to be a tough opponent all year, defeating the Bulls three times in the regular season and posting a 27-7 record. 

Before Cary earned the opportunity to play Oxford on Sunday, the Bulls just squeaked by North Raleigh the night before.

In the 5-3 win over North Raleigh, the Bulls left 12 runners on base, missing crucial opportunities to put the game out of reach. The Bulls needed a three-run sixth inning to advance to Oxford.

“North Raleigh has played us very tough. They take us out of our game a little bit,” Powell said. “I thought we were a lot better than we played last night, but we played good enough to win and that’s where we’re at right now.”

The Bulls play tonight (Wednesday) in the regional playoffs at Green Hope High but will advance to the Eastern state qualifying tournament regardless of the outcome.

As the Bulls advance further in the playoffs, it’s clear what’s on their minds.

“State championship, all the way,” said Hamm. “No turn backs, all wins.”