Oxford Prep hasn't had much luck against Voyager Academy recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Oxford Prep Griffins will take on the Voyager Academy Vikings at 7:00 p.m. After the two teams made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Tuesday.
Oxford Prep had to skate by with only a two-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 20-run drubbing they dealt Vance County on Friday. Oxford Prep's pitcher stepped up to hand Vance County a 20-0 shutout. The win continues a trend for the Griffins in their matchups with the Vipers: they've now won five in a row.
Tanner Abbott
| 03/07/25 vs Vance County | 8 |
| 02/27/25 vs Kerr-Vance Academy | 2 |
| 05/11/24 @ Northside - Pinetown | 3 |
| 04/25/24 vs Granville Central | 6 |
| 04/12/24 @ Voyager Academy | 0 |
| + 3 more games |
Tanner Abbott made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit (and not a single walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances.
In other batting news, Jayce Elliott was incredible, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three runs, four RBI, and one triple. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in RBI. Gage Hobgood was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Oxford Prep kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least eight hits every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Voyager Academy won against Crossroads Christian on Tuesday with 14 runs and they decided to stick to that run total again on Friday. Voyager Academy put the hurt on Wilson Prep with a sharp 14-0 victory. Considering the Vikings have won three games by more than 12 runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Carrick Ryan was a standout: he scored a run and stole a base while going 3-for-3. He has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last six times he's played. Hayden Van Auken also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Voyager Academy pushed their record up to 4-0 with the win, which was their 11th straight at home dating back to last season. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 9.3 runs. As for Oxford Prep, their record now sits at 3-0.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Oxford Prep has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.3 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Voyager Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 10.2 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Oxford Prep might still be hurting after the 8-1 defeat they got from Voyager Academy when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Can Oxford Prep avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
