Baseball Recap: Neuse Christian Academy Takes a Loss

Neuse Christian Academy extended their losing streak to six on Monday, dropping their season record down to 3-7 in the process. They came up short against the Thales Academy Apex Titans, falling 16-5. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Titans this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 18-1 back in March.

Ellis Blackwood was cooking despite his team's loss, going a perfect 2-for-2 with five stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 1.2 stolen bases per game. Noah Tucker was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one stolen base and one RBI.

As for Thales Academy Apex, they have been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six games. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-3 record this season. The result was nothing new for Thales Academy Apex, who have now won six contests by six runs or more so far this season.

On Thales Academy Apex's side, Louis Olsen was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. Olsen was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with three runs, one stolen base, and two RBI.

Olsen wasn't the only one making solid contact as five players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Rylan Sheldon, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI. Sheldon is becoming a predictor of Thales Academy Apex's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 2-3 when he doesn't). Daniel Jakushokas also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.

Looking ahead, Neuse Christian Academy will look to defend their home field on Friday against Trinity of Durham and Chapel Hill at 3:30 p.m. As for Thales Academy Apex, they are taking a road trip to challenge Cary Christian at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Knights' pitching crew has only allowed 3.1 runs per game this season, so the Titans' hitters will have their work cut out for them.