The Rocky Mount Academy Eagles will face off against the Harrells Christian Academy Crusaders at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Rocky Mount Academy is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.2 runs per game this season.
Friday just wasn't the day for Rocky Mount Academy's offense. They came up short against Faith Christian on Friday, falling 9-0. Having soared to a lofty 15 runs in the game before, the Eagles' shutout was a dramatic turnaround.
Meanwhile, it can be hard to translate regular season success to the playoffs, but Harrells Christian Academy had no problem doing just that on Tuesday. Their pitchers stepped up to hand the Heat a 19-0 shutout. The Crusaders' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Colten Harrell and Collin Cole made a big impact while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Harrell struck out six batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Cole struck out six batters over 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). Those six strikeouts gave him a new career-high. At bat, Harrell went a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and one run, while Cole went a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. Harrells Christian Academy is 2-1 when Cole posts two or more runs, but 5-11 otherwise.
In other batting news, Dawson Smith was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. He has become a key player for Harrells Christian Academy: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 4-12 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Coley Sasser, who went 1-for-3 with three runs, one stolen base, and one double.
Harrells Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .611. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Harrells Christian Academy has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 7-12 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.5 runs over those games. As for Rocky Mount Academy, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost four of their last five contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 8-8 record this season.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Rocky Mount Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Harrells Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.6 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Everything went Rocky Mount Academy's way against Harrells Christian Academy when the teams last played back in April, as Rocky Mount Academy made off with a 12-0 win. Will the Eagles repeat their success, or do the Crusaders have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
