The Union Academy Cardinals will challenge the Charlotte Latin Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The two teams each escaped (but just barely!) with wins against their previous opponents.
While Union Academy's win against NorthPoint Christian Academy wasn't quite the blowout it was the last time the pair played, they still came out on top. Union Academy had just enough and edged out NorthPoint Christian Academy 5-4. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Cardinals as it put an end to their four-game losing streak dating back to last season.
Christian Pawl was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one RBI. That triple was his first of the season. The team also got some help courtesy of Ethan Edwards, who scored a run while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, it may have taken ten innings to finish the job, but Charlotte Latin ultimately got the result they hoped for on Saturday. They skirted past Ravenscroft 13-12. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Hawks have posted since April 1, 2024.
Max Thune made a splash no matter where he played. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over six innings pitched. Thune was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-5. He is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as he's now snagged at least one in each of the last three games he's played.
In other batting news, Charlotte Latin got a massive performance out of Avery Booker, who went 3-for-5 with one home run, two stolen bases, and three runs. Those three hits gave Booker a new career-high. Hudson Shoup was another key player, scoring three runs and stealing Three bases. while going 4-for-6.
Charlotte Latin lost a few balls and finished the game with two home runs. That's the most home runs they've managed all season.
The victory made it two in a row for Charlotte Latin and bumps their season record up to 4-2. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.0 runs over those games. As for Union Academy, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Union Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Charlotte Latin struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Union Academy skirted past Charlotte Latin 7-6 in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Does Union Academy have another victory up their sleeve, or will Charlotte Latin turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
