Baseball Game Preview: Winston Academy Patriots vs. Carroll Academy Rebels

For the second straight game, Winston Academy will face off against Carroll Academy. The Patriots will welcome the Rebels at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The timing is sure in Winston Academy's favor as the squad sits on seven straight wins at home while Carroll Academy has been banged up by seven consecutive losses on the road dating back to last season.

Winston Academy gave up the first runs last Tuesday, but they didn't let that get them down. They put the hurt on Carroll Academy with a sharp 8-2 victory. The result was nothing new for the Patriots, who have now won seven matchups by six runs or more so far this season.

Holder Tidwell

Stolen Base (Career)

04/01/25 @ Carroll Academy	2
03/06/25 vs Oak Hill Academy	1
02/24/25 vs East Rankin Academy	1
02/22/25 vs Ethel	1
02/21/25 vs Benton Academy	1

Holder Tidwell was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off four hits (and only one walk). He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than one walk in nine consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 3-for-4. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Reed Yates, who scored three runs and stole three bases while going 3-for-4. That's the most stolen bases he has posted since back in February.

Winston Academy has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five games. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-7 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games. As for Carroll Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-5.

Winston Academy's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's contest. The Patriots have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Carroll Academy, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Winston Academy continue to outrun the ball? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more baseball content.