Laney is 0-3 against Pinecrest since April of 2023 but things could change on Saturday. The Laney Buccaneers will welcome the Pinecrest Patriots at 1:00 p.m.
On Friday, Laney came up short against Swansboro and fell 11-6. The Buccaneers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Laney got a good showing from Jesse Smith, who struck out eight batters over four innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits (and only one walk).
At the plate, Carston Wedemeyer made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs while going 3-for-3. That's the most hits he has posted since back in April of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jack Holliman, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and one double.
Meanwhile, Pinecrest gave up the first runs on Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They had just enough and edged out Wilmington Christian Academy 2-1.
Pinecrest also got a great performance from Taylor Graves as he didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits over five innings pitched. Graves has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two hits any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Pinecrest saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Bryson Partington, who went 1-for-2 with two RBI.
Laney now has a losing record of 1-2. As for Pinecrest, the win got them back to even at 2-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Saturday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Laney has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 12.7 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Pinecrest struggles in that department as they've been averaging 8.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Laney couldn't quite get it done against Pinecrest when the teams last played back in May of 2024 as they fell 6-1. Will Laney 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.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
