Baseball Game Preview: Sun Valley Spartans vs. Hickory Grove Christian Lions

The Sun Valley Spartans will take on the Hickory Grove Christian Lions at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Sun Valley is coming into the game on a three-game losing streak.

Sun Valley is headed into the matchup having just suffered their closest defeat since April 26, 2024 on Thursday. They fell just short of Porter Ridge by a score of 9-7.

Tristan Duke made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 2-for-4 with one home run and five RBI. That home run marked the first that he has launched this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Jessen Copeland, who got on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and one double.

Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Hickory Grove Christian's good fortune finally ran out on Thursday. They took an 8-5 hit to the loss column at the hands of Metrolina Christian Academy.

Ben Green was cooking despite his team's loss, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run, one stolen base, and two RBI. Nathan Dowdy was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

Hickory Grove Christian's loss dropped their record down to 9-8. As for Sun Valley, they now have a losing record of 10-11.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Sun Valley has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hickory Grove Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.1 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.

Sun Valley couldn't quite finish off Hickory Grove Christian in their previous meeting back in March of 2024 and fell 5-3. Will the Spartans have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.