Softball Game Preview: Deep Creek Hornets vs. Hickory Hawks

Deep Creek is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Hickory is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Hornets will host the Hawks at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Deep Creek 3.8, Hickory 0.9) so any runs scored will be well earned.

On Tuesday, Deep Creek made easy work of Lakeland and carried off a 12-2 win. Considering the Hornets have won seven games by more than six runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.

Larah Fray spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on six hits and racked up 13 Ks. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in three consecutive appearances.

Lilly B

Hits (Career)

04/29/25 @ Lakeland	4
04/22/25 vs King's Fork	3
03/27/25 vs Western Branch	3
03/26/25 @ Granby	3
04/24/25 @ Oscar Smith	2

On the hitting side, Lilly B was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with four runs. Those four hits gave her a new career-high. Hailey Lack was another key player, going 2-for-3 with three RBI and one triple.

Deep Creek hit smart and finished the game with only two strikeouts. The team has now struck out at least three batters in eight consecutive matchups.

Meanwhile, Hickory faced Great Bridge in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Tuesday. The Hawks had just enough and edged out the Wildcats 4-3. The Hawks haven't had any issues with the Wildcats recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.

Deep Creek is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last seven contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-4 record this season. The wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.1 runs on average over those games. As for Hickory, their victory bumped their record up to 12-1.

Deep Creek suffered a grim 11-1 defeat to Hickory in their previous meeting back in April of 2024. Will the Hornets 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.