The Union Pines Vikings are taking a road trip to challenge the Pinecrest Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Union Pines has five straight victories, Pinecrest has five straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Union Pines had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 14-run drubbing they dealt Southern Lee on Friday. Union Pines blew past Southern Lee 16-2. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since April 11, 2023, but that streak is no more.
Allie Bauer made a splash while hitting and pitching. She struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits (and not a single walk). She has been consistent : she hasn't given up more than one earned run in eight consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 3-for-4.
In other batting news, Elizabeth Andrews was a standout: she went 3-for-4 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs. That's the most hits she has posted since back in May of 2024. Another player making a difference was Madison Stein, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI, two runs, and one triple.
Union Pines hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now struck out at most five strikeouts in five consecutive matchups.
Meanwhile, Pinecrest came up short against Hoke County on Friday, falling 9-3.
Amaris Welch was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one home run, two RBI, and one double. Emily Hatcher was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-3.
Union Pines now has a winning record of 6-5. As for Pinecrest, their loss dropped their record down to 2-8.
Tuesday's game will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Union Pines hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .345. However, it's not like Pinecrest struggles in that department as they've averaged .359. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Union Pines took their win against Pinecrest in their previous matchup back in April of 2024 by a conclusive 15-3. The rematch might be a little tougher for Union Pines since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
