Baseball Recap: Pender Takes a Loss

Pender extended their losing streak to three on Thursday, dropping them down to 2-14. They lost 14-4 to the Hobbton Wildcats. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Wildcats this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 19-9 back in March.

Reese Robertson and Blake Howell stepped up to the plate in a big way. Robertson went a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs and one stolen base, while Howell went a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBI and two doubles. Those doubles were Howell's first of the season. Sean Cummings was another key player, going 2-for-3 with one run, one double, and one RBI.

As for Hobbton, they are on a roll lately: they've won ten of their last 11 games. That's provided a nice bump to their 13-3 record this season. The result was nothing new for Hobbton, who have now won ten matchups by eight runs or more so far this season.

On Hobbton's side, Nathan Neal spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on six hits and racked up eight Ks. Neal has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Ayden Lawson was a standout: he went 2-for-4 with two runs, one triple, and two RBI. The team also got some help courtesy of Braxton McLamb, who went 1-for-4 with three stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. Pender will venture away from home to square off against South Lenoir at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Patriots' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Blue Devils have averaged an impressive 10.2 runs per game this season. As for Hobbton, they will head out to take on North Duplin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The Wildcats' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Rebels have averaged an impressive 12.5 runs per game this season.