No. 17 Topsail Baseball Defeats New Bern in Non-Conference Matchup

Pirates prove their top 25 ranking with a 7-1 victory over the Bears

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:40am

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The No. 17-ranked Topsail High School baseball team traveled to New Bern and picked up a 7-1 victory over the Bears in a non-conference matchup. The Pirates jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, despite the Bears' efforts to rally. Topsail's pitching staff kept New Bern's offense in check, stranding multiple runners on base throughout the game.

Why it matters

This win over a quality opponent solidifies Topsail's position in the latest HighSchoolOT statewide top 25 rankings. The Pirates have now won 10 of their first 12 games, establishing themselves as a team to watch in the Carolina Coast Conference race.

The details

Topsail got on the board early with a two-run double by RJ Browning in the first inning. The Pirates then added to their lead with a sacrifice fly and a wild pitch to make it 3-0. New Bern got a run back in the bottom of the first, but Topsail's pitchers, led by Browning and Frankie Schmidt, were able to work out of multiple jams to preserve the lead. The Pirates tacked on two more runs in the fourth inning and two more in the fifth to pull away for the 7-1 victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • Topsail jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning.

The players

RJ Browning

The Topsail pitcher struck out the first batter he faced and worked out of multiple jams to earn the win.

Frankie Schmidt

The Topsail pitcher came in relief and continued to strand New Bern baserunners, preserving the Pirates' lead.

Fisher Taylor

The Topsail shortstop made a diving catch and a pickoff play to help end the game with a double play.

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What they’re saying

“Topsail baseball proved why it's a new addition to the most recent HighSchoolOT statewide top 25 on Friday night.”

— Laieke Abebe, HighSchoolOT contributor

What’s next

Both teams will be back in action next Tuesday, with Topsail traveling to face New Hanover in Carolina Coast Conference play, while New Bern hosts county rival West Craven in a non-conference matchup.

The takeaway

Topsail's impressive road win over a quality opponent like New Bern demonstrates the Pirates' ability to compete with the best teams in the state. This victory should boost their confidence as they look to make a deep playoff run and challenge for the Carolina Coast Conference title.