Softball Game Preview: Kinston Bulldogs vs. Pike Liberal Arts Patriots

The Kinston Bulldogs will be defending their home field for the first time this season when they go up against the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty run totals in their previous games.

Kinston is coming home in high spirits after they had to open their season on the road against Slocomb. Kinston never let Slocomb onto the board and left with an 11-0 win on Tuesday.

Lilli Sumblin made a big impact no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and only a hit while striking out nine over seven innings pitched. Sumblin was also stellar in the batter's box, going 4-for-5 with four runs, two triples, and two RBI.

In other batting news, Allyx Williamson was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Brynne Kelley was another key player, scoring a run while going 3-for-4.

Kinston was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .459. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Slocomb only posted a batting average of .087.

Meanwhile, Pike Liberal Arts unfortunately couldn't capitalize on their home-field advantage in their season opener. They came up short against Ariton on Tuesday, falling 22-13.

Camryn Brown made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-4. The team also got some help courtesy of Haylie Brown, who scored three runs while going 3-for-5.

Kinston skirted past Pike Liberal Arts 3-1 in their previous matchup back in February of 2024. Will Kinston repeat their success, or does Pike Liberal Arts have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.