The Fayetteville Woodpeckers (0-1) kicked off the 2026 season on Friday night against the Wilson Warbirds (1-0) in front of 4,003 fans at Segra Stadium. The Wilson Warbirds were formerly known as the Carolina Mudcats. Gabel Pentecost was on the mound for Fayetteville against Miqueas Mercedes of Wilson.
It was a pitcher’s duel through the game. Gabel Pentecost pitched four innings, allowing one hit, two walks, and seven strikeouts, throwing 60 pitches, of which 39 were strikes. Meanwhile, Miqueas Mercedes pitched five innings, allowing two hits, four walks, and seven strikeouts, throwing 81 pitches, of which 47 were strikes.
The game was scoreless through eight innings until the top of the ninth inning. Leomar Rosario was pitching for Fayetteville. With runners on second and third base, Wilson left fielder Luiyin Alastre grounded out to Fayetteville shortstop Xavier Neyens, who threw the ball to first baseman Nehomar Ochoa Jr. Filippo Di Turi scored for a 1-0 lead.
Two batters later, the bases were loaded when Rosario failed a pickoff attempt. Jadyn Fielder scored for a 2-0 lead. Wilson did not add any more runs in the inning. With a runner on first base and two outs, Wilson pitcher Jose Meneses struck out Fayetteville first baseman Nehomar Ochoa Jr. to end the game. The Woodpeckers were shut out by the Wilson Warbirds by the final score of 2-0. Fayetteville finished the night with three hits and committed four errors.
The win went to Wilson pitcher Jose Meneses. He pitched two innings, allowing one walk and five strikeouts, throwing 37 pitches, of which 25 were strikes. The loss went to Fayetteville pitcher Leomar Rosario. Rosario pitched one inning, allowing two runs and three walks, throwing 26 pitches, of which 11 were strikes.
The Woodpeckers and Warbirds play game two on Saturday at 7:05 pm on the MLB App. Ethan Pecko will be on the mound for Fayetteville against Enniel Cortez of Wilson.
