The Southern Wayne Saints will square off against the East Wake Warriors at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. East Wake took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Southern Wayne, who comes in off a win.
Southern Wayne is headed in fresh off scoring the most runs they have all season. They blew past Smithfield-Selma 20-5 on Friday. The Saints haven't had any issues with the Spartans recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive victory against them.
Morgan Brimberry made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over four innings while giving up just one earned (and four unearned) runs off one hit. Brimberry was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-4. The dominant performance also gave her a new career-high in RBI (three).
Payton Strickland
| 04/04/25 vs Smithfield-Selma | 3 |
| 03/25/25 @ Smithfield-Selma | 2 |
| 03/28/25 @ Fike | 1 |
| 03/12/25 vs Beddingfield | 1 |
In other batting news, Payton Strickland was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of her plate appearances. Those three runs gave her a new career-high. Makayla Smith was another key player, scoring three runs while getting on base in three of her four plate appearances.
Southern Wayne always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .703. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Thursday just wasn't the day for East Wake's offense. They lost 8-0 to South Johnston last Thursday. The Warriors' loss signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.
Madison Keith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered only one earned (and seven unearned) runs on seven hits.
East Wake's defeat dropped their record down to 7-5. As for Southern Wayne, the win was their first at home , bumping their record up to 2-13.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Southern Wayne has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .450. However, it's not like East Wake struggles in that department as they've averaged .495. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Southern Wayne suffered a grim 19-0 defeat to East Wake in their previous matchup back in March. Will the Saints 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.
