Baseball Game Preview: Howard Tech Hustlin' Tigers vs. Hardy Memorial Hawks

For the second week in a row, Howard Tech is taking on Hardy Memorial. The Hustlin' Tigers will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Hawks at 7:00 p.m.

Having struggled with 13 defeats in a row, Howard Tech turned things around against Hardy Memorial on Friday. Their pitcher stepped up to hand the Hawks a 28-0 shutout. The Hustlin' Tigers' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.

Devon Holten-McKinney

Batters Struck Out (Career)

04/18/25 vs Hardy Memorial	13
03/28/25 vs Tyner Academy	5
04/04/25 @ Tyner Academy	3
04/01/25 @ East Hamilton	3
04/12/25 vs East Nashville Magnet	2

Devon Holten-McKinney was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out 13 over five innings pitched. Those 13 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with four runs and one RBI. He is becoming a predictor of Howard Tech's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 0-17 when he doesn't).

In other batting news, Howard Tech got a massive performance out of Sean Besley, who got on base in five of his six plate appearances with three stolen bases, five runs, and three RBI. The Hustlin' Tigers are 4-2 when Besley posts two or more runs, but 1-15 otherwise. The team also got some help courtesy of Jamal Cal, who got on base in all five of his plate appearances with four runs, five RBI, and one stolen base.

Howard Tech was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .469. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

Howard Tech's victory bumped their record up to 5-17. As for Hardy Memorial, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 0-4.