The Pinecrest Patriots will head out to take on the Hoggard Vikings at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Pinecrest's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so Hoggard's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Pinecrest fell victim to Laney and their airtight pitching crew on Tuesday. They fell just short of the Buccaneers by a score of 2-0. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Patriots have suffered since March 30, 2024.
Bohdi Robertson
| 04/15/25 vs Laney | 1 |
| 04/10/25 @ Hoke County | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ Scotland | 1 |
| 04/02/25 @ Myers Park | 0 |
| 03/28/25 vs Lee County | 2 |
Bohdi Robertson was a force to be reckoned with on the mound despite the final result: he struck out nine batters over six innings while giving up just two earned runs off six hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive appearances.
Meanwhile, Hoggard can bid farewell to their eight-game losing streak thanks to their game on Tuesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Wilmington Christian Academy, sneaking past 4-2. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Vikings have posted since March 19th.
Preston Smith spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on one hit and racked up 11 Ks.
At the plate, Hoggard saw three different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Brandon Bush, who scored a run and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. The Vikings are 3-1 when Bush posts two or more stolen bases, but 3-12 otherwise.
The loss snapped Pinecrest's winning streak at three games and leaves them with a 13-7 record. As for Hoggard, their victory bumped their record up to 6-13.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Wednesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Pinecrest has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 8.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Hoggard struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.9 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Pinecrest took their win against Hoggard in their previous meeting back in May of 2022 by a conclusive 12-2 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Patriots since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
