Eastern Hancock and Monroe Central are an even 3-3 against one another since May of 2018, but likely not for long. The Royals will look to defend their home field on Thursday against the Golden Bears at 5:30 p.m. Monroe Central took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on Eastern Hancock, who comes in off a win.
Having struggled with five losses in a row, Eastern Hancock turned things around against Anderson Prep Academy on Wednesday. They put the hurt on the Jets with a sharp 13-2 win. The Royals' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Maverick Burke
| 04/30/25 vs Anderson Prep Academy | 1 |
| 04/23/25 vs Lapel | 2 |
| 04/18/25 @ Triton Central | 1 |
Maverick Burke looked comfortable as he pitched four innings while giving up just two earned runs off three hits. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up more than two walks any time he's pitched this season.
On the hitting side, Hayden Rouse was incredible, going 2-for-3 with two runs, one triple, and one stolen base. He also hit a double, marking his first of the season. Jalen Helderbrand was another key player, going 1-for-2 with two stolen bases and two runs.
Meanwhile, Monroe Central was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were two runs away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-4 heartbreaker at the hands of Wapahani. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest loss the Golden Bears have suffered since May 17, 2024.
Monroe Central saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Myles Oliphant, who went 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
The victory was their first at home , bumping their record up to 2-6. As for Monroe Central, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-9.
Eastern Hancock skirted past Monroe Central 3-1 when the teams last played back in April of 2024. Do the Royals have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Golden Bears turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
