Baseball Game Preview: Hoggard Vikings vs. Pinecrest Patriots

The Hoggard Vikings will take on the Pinecrest Patriots in a tournament on Wednesday. The last seven games Hoggard has played have been within two runs, so don't be surprised if it's a close one.

Having struggled with eight defeats in a row, Hoggard turned things around against Wilmington Christian Academy on Tuesday. They skirted past the Patriots 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Vikings have posted since March 19th.

Preston Smith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on one hit and racked up 11 Ks.

Brandon Bush

Stolen Base

03/06/25 vs West Carteret	4
04/15/25 vs Wilmington Christian Academy	2
04/14/25 vs Grimsley	2
03/19/25 vs Swansboro	2
04/01/25 vs New Hanover	1
+ 4 more games

At the plate, Hoggard saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brandon Bush, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. The Vikings are 3-1 when Bush posts two or more stolen bases, but 3-12 otherwise.

Meanwhile, Pinecrest fell victim to Laney and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Buccaneers by a score of 2-0. The match marked the first time this season in which the Patriots were not able to get on the board.

Bohdi Robertson was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

Hoggard's victory bumped their record up to 6-13. As for Pinecrest, with the loss, they broke their three-game winning streak and moved their record to 13-7.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Hoggard has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pinecrest struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Hoggard might still be hurting after the 12-2 defeat they got from Pinecrest in their previous matchup back in May of 2022. Will the Vikings have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.