Piedmont is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Central Cabarrus is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Panthers will host the Vikings at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. The two teams have allowed few runs on average (Piedmont 3.1, Central Cabarrus 3.6) so any runs scored will be well earned.
Piedmont is probably headed into the match with a chip on their shoulder considering Alexander Central just ended the team's five-game winning streak on Saturday. They fell just short of the Cougars by a score of 6-4. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Panthers have suffered since May 25, 2024.
Sarah Belk was cooking despite her team's loss, going 1-for-3 with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. That home run marked the first that she launched this season.
Meanwhile, Central Cabarrus earned a 4-1 win over East Rowan on Friday. That's two games straight that the Vikings have won by exactly three runs.
Taryn Jenkins spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered a run (which was unearned) on six hits. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in 11 consecutive appearances.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Kinley Hood, who scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Central Cabarrus is on a roll lately: they've won eight of their last ten contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-5 record this season. Those victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 7.6 runs over those games. As for Piedmont, their defeat dropped their record down to 12-5.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Tuesday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Piedmont has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.2 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Central Cabarrus 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.
Piedmont couldn't quite get it done against Central Cabarrus in their previous meeting back in March of 2022 as they fell 5-0. Will the Panthers 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.
