High Point Christian Academy is 2-8 against Wesleyan Christian Academy since May of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Cougars will be playing in front of their home fans against the Trojans at 4:30 p.m. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (High Point Christian Academy 3.1, Wesleyan Christian Academy 4) so any runs scored will be well earned.
High Point Christian Academy's usually-dominant pitching crew will be looking to make up for Saturday's struggle, when Grace Christian hitters got past them. The Cougars came up short against the Crusaders on Saturday, falling 10-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest defeat the Cougars have suffered since April 2, 2024.
High Point Christian Academy got a good showing from HEATH CRAVER, who struck out seven batters over 2.2 innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and not a single walk). That's the first time CRAVER hasn't allowed a single earned run since back in March.
Meanwhile, Wesleyan Christian Academy came tearing into Tuesday's game with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 8.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They blew past the Eagles 11-1. Considering the Trojans have won five matches by more than five runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Nick Papciak was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out six over four innings pitched. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in May of 2024. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing two bases while going 2-for-3. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last five games he's played.
In other batting news, Cole Bowman was incredible, scoring a run and stealing two bases while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Another player making a difference was Blake Goff, who scored a run and stole a base while going 1-for-2.
Wesleyan Christian Academy pushed their record up to 7-6 with the win, which was their third straight at home. The home victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 1.3 runs on average over those games. As for High Point Christian Academy, their loss dropped their record down to 10-4.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. High Point Christian Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.6 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Wesleyan Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 6.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
