The Goldsboro Cougars will venture away from home to take on the Faith Christian Academy Conquerors at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Goldsboro is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Goldsboro came into this matchup off a tough ten-run loss on Tuesday. This time they kept things ultra-competitive, but unfortunately the final result was the same. They fell just short of North Johnston by a score of 3-1 on Thursday. The Cougars have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Meanwhile, Faith Christian Academy entered their tilt with Community Christian on Monday with two consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with three. They were the clear victors by a 12-1 margin over the Cyclones. The result was nothing new for the Conquerors, who have now won seven contests by 11 runs or more so far this season.
Ben Reese made a splash no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out eight batters over five innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in May of 2024. He was also big at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and two doubles. Reese is also crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season.
In other batting news, Jessie Carrillo was incredible, scoring three runs and stealing a base while going 2-for-4. 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. Chase Moen was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
Faith Christian Academy always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .622. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .537 or higher in three consecutive matches.
Faith Christian Academy pushed their record up to 9-1 with the victory, which was their eighth straight at home dating back to last season. The home wins came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 2.6 runs on average over those games. As for Goldsboro, their defeat dropped their record down to 5-11.
Tuesday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Goldsboro has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .440. However, it's not like Faith Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .560. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Goldsboro took their victory against Faith Christian Academy in their previous matchup two weeks ago by a conclusive 8-0 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Cougars since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
