The Asheboro Hybrid Academy Warriors will head out to challenge the Vandalia Christian Vikings at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Asheboro Hybrid Academy has given up an average of 9.4 runs per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Asheboro Hybrid Academy fought the good fight in their extra-innings contest against Oak Level Baptist Academy on Tuesday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They fell 22-19 to the Conquerors. The Warriors haven't had much luck with the Conquerors recently, as the team has come up short the last three times they've met.
Zach Cooke
| 03/24/25 @ Cornerstone Christian Academy | 3 |
| 04/22/25 vs Oak Level Baptist Academy | 2 |
| 04/03/25 vs Shining Light Academy | 2 |
| 04/01/25 vs Vandalia Christian | 1 |
| 03/21/25 @ Gospel Light Christian | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Zach Cooke and Wesley Parks stepped up to the plate in a big way. Cooke got on base in five of his six plate appearances with two stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs, while Parks went 4-for-6 with four stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI. Cooke is becoming a predictor of Asheboro Hybrid Academy's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 4-7 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Levi Hogan, who got on base in five of his six plate appearances with two RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Vandalia Christian, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Tuesday. Everything went their way against Liberty Christian on Thursday as they made off with an 18-3 victory. The Vikings' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Nate Collins was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in three consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his five plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI.
In other batting news, Vandalia Christian got a massive performance out of Cole Boody, who went 3-for-4 with two stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs. That's the most runs Boody has posted since back in March. Jacob Baynes was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.
Vandalia Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .775. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Vandalia Christian has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 8-4 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.2 runs over those games. As for Asheboro Hybrid Academy, their defeat dropped their record down to 6-8.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Thursday as neither team is afraid to steal. Asheboro Hybrid Academy has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 11.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Vandalia Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.8 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Asheboro Hybrid Academy came up short against Vandalia Christian in their previous meeting on April 1st, falling 7-2. Can the Warriors avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
