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

Lions

Runs

04/17/25 @ Metrolina Christian Academy	5
04/15/25 vs SouthLake Christian Academy	10
04/10/25 vs Gaston Day	15
04/08/25 vs Concord Academy	8
+ 12 more games

The Hickory Grove Christian Lions are taking a road trip to take on the Sun Valley Spartans at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Hickory Grove Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.5 runs per game this season.

Hickory Grove Christian is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Metrolina Christian Academy just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Thursday. They fell 8-5 to the Warriors.

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. The team also got some help courtesy of Nathan Dowdy, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.

Meanwhile, Sun Valley was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 9-7 heartbreaker at the hands of Porter Ridge. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Spartans have suffered since April 26, 2024.

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. Jessen Copeland was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and one double.

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

Hickory Grove Christian's speedy runners might be the difference in Monday's contest. The Lions have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Sun Valley, though, as they've been averaging only 0.8 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hickory Grove Christian continue to outrun the ball?

Hickory Grove Christian skirted past Sun Valley 5-3 when the teams last played back in March of 2024. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Lions since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.