Swansboro will square off against Topsail at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Swansboro is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.4 runs per game this season.
Swansboro had to skate by with only a one-run margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 16-run drubbing they dealt Southwest Onslow on Tuesday. The Pirates were the clear victors by a 20-4 margin over the Stallions. The Pirates have beaten the Stallions the last six times they've met, but they better watch out: this was the closest the Stallions has come to flipping the script.
Addison McMillan
| 04/22/25 @ Southwest Onslow | 4 |
| 03/12/25 vs Ashley | 3 |
| 03/04/25 @ West Craven | 2 |
| 04/17/24 @ Jacksonville | 2 |
| 03/24/25 vs West Craven | 1 |
Addison McMillan made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, pitching four innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off six hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-3 with four runs. Those four runs gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Payton Jensen was a standout: she went 2-for-4 with four stolen bases, three runs, and three RBI. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March. Madilyn Lemke was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, five RBI, and two runs.
Swansboro was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .389. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Southwest Onslow only posted a batting average of .217.
Meanwhile, Topsail was able to grind out a solid victory over North Duplin on Tuesday, taking the game 5-2. That's two games straight that the Pirates have won by exactly three runs.
Addison Ash spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and racked up eight Ks.
On the hitting side, Riley Trimble was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Topsail is on a roll lately: they've won six of their last seven matchups. That's provided a massive bump to their 10-7 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.0 runs on average over those games. As for Swansboro, their victory bumped their record up to 10-8.
Swansboro's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's game. Swansboro has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Topsail, though, as they've been averaging only 1.1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Swansboro continue to outrun the ball?
Swansboro came out on top in a nail-biter against Topsail in their previous meeting back in March, sneaking past 7-6. Does Swansboro have another victory up their sleeve, or will Topsail turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
