Gaston Day is 1-9 against Hickory Grove Christian since April of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Thursday. The Spartans will take on the Lions at 4:30 p.m. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Gaston Day will bounce into Thursday's game after beating Westminster Catawba Christian, who they had gone 1-8 against in their nine prior meetings. The Spartans walked away with a 5-2 win over the Indians on Tuesday. The Spartans' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Julien McRae
| 04/08/25 @ Westminster Catawba Christian | 13 |
| 03/14/24 @ Hickory Christian Academy | 6 |
| 02/29/24 vs Caldwell Academy | 6 |
| 04/16/24 vs Concord Academy | 5 |
| 03/07/25 @ Caldwell Academy | 4 |
Julien McRae made a splash no matter where he played. He struck out 13 batters over 6.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. Those 13 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
McRae wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brody Smith, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. That's the most runs Smith has posted since back in May of 2024.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Hickory Grove Christian, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Tuesday. They blew past Concord Academy 8-1 on Tuesday. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five contests by seven runs or more this season.
Like Gaston Day, Hickory Grove Christian also got a great game from a two-way player: Zach White. On the mound, he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. White has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 1-for-3.
In other pitching news, Zach Frost looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Hickory Grove Christian is undefeated when he allows at most one earned run, but 4-7 otherwise.
Back at the plate, Davis Cabbage was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last four games he's played. Dean Colston was another key player, scoring two runs while going 2-for-3.
Gaston Day's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-8. As for Hickory Grove Christian, the win got them back to even at 7-7.
Gaston Day might still be hurting after the 12-0 loss they got from Hickory Grove Christian in their previous meeting back in March. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
