Baseball Game Preview: Danville Hawks vs. Vinemont Eagles

Danville hasn't had much luck against Vinemont recently, but that could start to change on Thursday. It'll be a Battle of the Birds when Danville Hawks face off against Vinemont Eagles at 4:30 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Danville took a ten-run defeat the last time they faced off against Colbert County, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Danville came out on top in a nail-biter against Colbert County on Tuesday, sneaking past 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest victory the Hawks have posted since March 7, 2024.

For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Vinemont and Pennington meet (two straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Tuesday. Vinemont blew past Pennington 12-5. Considering the Eagles have won ten games by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Joshua Rhodes spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered only one earned (and four unearned) runs on eight hits. He has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.

At the plate, Jake Hale was incredible, going 2-for-5 with five RBI, two runs, and one double. Those five RBI gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kayden Henderson, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4.

Vinemont has been performing well recently as they've won ten of their last 12 contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 15-4 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 10.3 runs over those games. Danville's win ended a five-game drought on the road and puts them at 2-6.

Danville couldn't quite get it done against Vinemont in their previous meeting last Saturday as they fell 7-3. Will Danville 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.