The Willow Spring Storm will head out to square off against the Holly Springs Golden Hawks at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Willow Spring was handed a 11-run defeat in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Tuesday. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Clayton 5-3. The victory was a breath of fresh air for the Storm as it put an end to their three-game losing streak.
Austin Fletcher
| 03/11/25 @ Clayton | 8 |
| 02/28/25 vs Green Level | 2 |
| 05/03/24 @ Fuquay - Varina | 7 |
| 04/23/24 @ Corinth Holders | 7 |
| 04/16/24 vs Cleveland | 4 |
| + 4 more games |
Austin Fletcher made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out eight batters over six innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits (and only one walk). That's the most strikeouts he has posted since back in March of 2024. He was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Those stolen bases were his first of the season.
Fletcher wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Jason Sowers, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one RBI. Nate Rice also deserves some recognition as he scored his first run of the season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Holly Springs). They were the clear victor by a 10-0 margin over Green Hope on Monday. The high-flying hitting performance was a huge turnaround for the Golden Hawks considering their two-run performance the game before.
Green Hope's batters probably weren't too happy with Jake Cackovic, who pitched a no hitter (he gave up two walks). Cackovic has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than one earned run in three consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Liam McNierney, who scored a run and stole Two bases. while going 3-for-3. 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. The team also got some help courtesy of Lucas Holder, who scored two runs and stole a base.
Holly Springs always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .562. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Holly Springs' record is now 4-2. As for Willow Spring, 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. Willow Spring has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.8 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Holly Springs struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.8 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
