Hampton Roads Academy hasn't had much luck against Nansemond-Suffolk Academy recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Navigators will welcome the Saints at 4:00 p.m.
Hampton Roads Academy couldn't beat Cape Henry Collegiate on Tuesday even though they stacked four runs on them in the third inning. The Navigators fell 7-4 to the Dolphins.
Hampton Roads Academy got a good showing from Paul Bennett-Northam, who pitched 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. Bennett-Northam has been consistent: he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances.
On the hitting side, Hampton Roads Academy saw eight different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Elijah Williams, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one RBI.
Meanwhile, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy got themselves on the board against Norfolk Collegiate on Tuesday, but Norfolk Collegiate never followed suit. They were the clear victors by a 15-0 margin over the Mighty Oaks. Considering the Saints have won nine matchups by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Jayden Stafford made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Stafford was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. He has become a key player for Nansemond-Suffolk Academy: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 6-9 otherwise.
In other pitching news, Cam Bergen and Gavin Angelillo dominated on the mound. Bergen went 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI, while Angelillo went 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is undefeated when Bergen posts two or more runs, but 6-9 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy let Cole Goodman and Noah Brooks run wild. Goodman went 1-for-2 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base, while Brooks went 1-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double. Brooks is becoming a predictor of Nansemond-Suffolk Academy's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 5-9 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Joseph Petry, who earned two runs and three stolen bases.
Hampton Roads Academy's loss dropped their record down to 5-8. As for Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, they now have a winning record of 10-9.
Hampton Roads Academy couldn't quite finish off Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in their previous meeting back in April of 2024 and fell 6-4. Will the Navigators have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
