Wakefield and Millbrook are an even 5-5 against one another since April of 2017, but likely not for long. The Wolverines will be playing in front of their home fans against the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Wakefield is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.3 runs per game this season.
Wakefield barely beat Rolesville the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Wolverines blew past the Rams 8-2 on Tuesday. The Wolverines haven't had any issues with the Rams recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive win against them.
Ben Dudash made a big impact no matter where he played. He pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one double. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April.
Tyler Rotellini
| 04/29/25 vs Rolesville | 2 |
| 04/21/25 @ Knightdale | 1 |
| 04/14/25 vs Heritage | 1 |
In other pitching news, Tyler Rotellini tossed a big game, not allowing a single earned run while striking out six over six innings pitched. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Hunter Lentz was incredible, going a perfect 1-for-1 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. That triple was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Thomas Piscorik, who went 1-for-3 with two runs.
Wakefield hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least five batters in four consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Millbrook hadn't done well against Wake Forest recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Tuesday. The Wildcats skirted past the Cougars 5-3. The game was the first time the Wildcats have beaten the Cougars on their field since May 5, 2023.
Connor Wright was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and two unearned) runs off five hits. Wright was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances.
In other batting news, Jack Strom was a standout: he got on base in all five of his plate appearances with two runs and one stolen base. Hayden Heath was another key player, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Wakefield's victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 21-3-1. The home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.8 runs over those games. As for Millbrook, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 18-8.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Wakefield has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.1 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Millbrook struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 7.3 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Wakefield couldn't quite finish off Millbrook when the teams last played back in April and fell 5-3. Can the Wolverines avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
