Hillside is 0-10 against Northern Durham since March of 2018 but things could change on Wednesday. The Hornets will face off against the Knights at 6:00 p.m.
Hillside is headed into Wednesday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their fifth straight game on Tuesday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 7-6 heartbreaker at the hands of East Chapel Hill.
Quamay Palmer was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run, four RBI, and one stolen base.
Meanwhile, Northern Durham never let their opponents score on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 10-0 margin over Hillside. Considering the Knights have won five games by more than six runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Liam Hawkes was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits over four innings pitched. He also tossed a walk, which is notable because Northern Durham is undefeated when he allows at most two walks, but 4-6 otherwise. Hawkes was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
In other batting news, J.P. Rodio was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, four RBI, and one run. He has become a key player for Northern Durham: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two stolen bases, but 4-6 otherwise. J.D. Williams was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-2.
Northern Durham was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .500. They are a perfect 5-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.
Northern Durham has been performing well recently as they've won five of their last six contests. That's provided a massive bump to their 7-6 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.5 runs over those games. As for Hillside, their loss dropped their record down to 3-7.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hillside has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.8 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like Northern Durham struggles in that department as they've been averaging 3.5 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Hillside might still be hurting after the 10-0 defeat they got from Northern Durham when the teams last played on Thursday. Can the Hornets avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
