Smithfield-Selma hasn't had much luck against North Johnston recently, but that could start to change on Monday. The Spartans will take on the Panthers at 11:30 a.m. Smithfield-Selma has given up an average of 9.9 runs per game this season, but Monday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Smithfield-Selma saw some tournament action on Saturday. They took a 17-12 hit to the loss column at the hands of Greenfield. Even if the Spartans couldn't come away with the win, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their hitters, which had struggled int the games prior.
Jake McLain
| 03/05/26 vs Eastern Wayne | 4 |
| 02/25/26 @ Union | 4 |
| 03/02/26 @ Eastern Wayne | 3 |
| 04/04/26 vs Greenfield | 2 |
| 02/27/26 vs Union | 2 |
| + 3 more games |
Jake McLain was cooking despite his team's loss, going 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, three RBI, and two runs. He is becoming a predictor of Smithfield-Selma's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 4-1 (and 1-9 when he doesn't). Blake Thigpen was another key player, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, North Johnston fell victim to Clayton and their airtight pitching crew on Saturday. They lost 10-0 to the Comets. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Panthers have suffered since March 2nd.
Smithfield-Selma's defeat dropped their record down to 5-10. As for North Johnston, their loss dropped their record down to 8-6.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Smithfield-Selma has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 7.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like North Johnston struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.5 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Smithfield-Selma couldn't quite finish off North Johnston when the teams last played back in April of 2025 and fell 3-1. Can the Spartans avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
