The Croatan Cougars will be taking part in a tournament against the Martin County Gators at 10:00 a.m. on Monday. Croatan is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 7.6 runs per game this season.
On Thursday, Croatan didn't have quite enough to beat West Carteret and fell 3-2. The Cougars have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Croatan saw four different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Augie Morris, who went 1-for-2 with one run.
Meanwhile, Martin County waltzed into their game on Thursday with three straight wins... but they left with four. They blew past the Panthers 10-0. The Gators might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by six runs or more this season.
Easton Warren made a big impact while hitting and pitching. He kept things locked down with no earned runs or hits while striking out ten over five innings pitched. He has been consistent for a while: he hasn't given up more than two walks in nine consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, five RBI, and one double. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Kamarion Larry, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two runs, and two RBI.
Martin County hit smart and finished the game with only one strikeout. The team has now struck out at least two batters in three consecutive contests.
Croatan's loss dropped their record down to 5-7. As for Martin County, their record now sits at 10-3.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Monday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Croatan has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 6.9 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Martin County struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7.7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Croatan couldn't quite get it done against Martin County when the teams last played back in April of 2025 as they fell 8-5. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
