Hobbton is 0-10 against North Duplin since March of 2022 but things could change on Wednesday. The Wildcats will square off against the Rebels at 6:00 p.m. Hobbton's pitching crew has only allowed four runs per game this season, so North Duplin's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
Hobbton's pitching crew heads into the matchup hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Tuesday. They blew past Union 16-0. The Wildcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won nine games by six runs or more this season.
Ben Neal
| 04/15/25 @ Union | 3 |
| 03/24/25 vs Pender | 2 |
| 03/27/25 vs Union | 1 |
| 03/12/25 @ Spring Creek | 1 |
| 03/07/25 vs Heide Trask | 1 |
Ben Neal was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Neal was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing three bases while going 1-for-2. Those three stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Thomas Tart was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 2-for-2. Those two stolen bases gave him a new career-high. Joe Corbett was another key player, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-1.
Hobbton always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .680. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post an OBP of .513 or better.
Meanwhile, North Duplin was not the first on the board on Tuesday, but they got there more often. They skirted past Rosewood 3-2. The game was the first time the Rebels have beaten the Eagles on their field since May 4, 2023.
North Duplin's win was truly a team effort as six different players contributed at least one hit. One of them was Noa Quintanillia, who went 1-for-3 with one double.
Hobbton has been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests. That's provided a nice bump to their 12-6 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.8 runs over those games. As for North Duplin, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 8-6.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Wednesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Hobbton has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 5.4 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like North Duplin struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 4.4 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Hobbton suffered a grim 10-4 defeat to North Duplin in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Can the Wildcats avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
