Preview: Harnett Central Trojans vs. Pine Forest Trojans
After four games on the road, Harnett Central is heading back home. They will take on the Pine Forest Trojans at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Harnett Central is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 11.4 runs per game this season.
Harnett Central can now show off five landslide victories after their most recent matchup on Tuesday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand Pine Forest a 17-0 shutout. The victory was just what Harnett Central needed coming off of a 10-0 defeat in their prior match.
Ella Mangum made a big impact no matter where she played. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run and only one hit over four innings pitched. Mangum has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive pitching appearances. Mangum was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Evan Blake, who scored four runs and stole four bases while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Sondra Berry, who went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs.
Harnett Central is on a roll lately: they've won five of their last six contests, which provided a nice bump to their 5-4 record this season. As for Pine Forest, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 3-5.
Thursday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Harnett Central has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .612. However, it's not like Pine Forest struggles in that department as they've averaged .453. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
