Baseball Game Preview: Avery County Vikings vs. Wilkes Central Eagles

The Avery County Vikings will head out to challenge the Wilkes Central Eagles at 6:00 p.m. on Monday. Avery County is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.6 runs per game this season.

On Friday, Avery County earned a 13-8 victory over Rosman. The win continues a trend for the Vikings in their matchups with the Tigers: they've now won four in a row.

Oak Markland made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over three innings while giving up three earned runs off only one hit. Markland was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.

In other batting news, Kaleb Liner was incredible, going 2-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and four RBI. That home run was his first of the season. Another player making a difference was Hayden Forbes, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.

Avery County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .541. They are 2-1 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.

Meanwhile, Wilkes Central was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They took a 6-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of North Surry.

Avery County picked up their first home victory, bumping their record up to 3-8. As for Wilkes Central, their loss dropped their record down to 4-12.

Avery County beat Wilkes Central 12-9 in their previous meeting back in March of 2024. Do the Vikings have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Eagles turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.