The Gloucester Dukes will take on the New Kent Trojans at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Gloucester, yet to win a game, are hoping to taste some of the success that has characterized New Kent's (thus far) undefeated season.
York hit Gloucester with a five-run fifth inning on Wednesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Dukes took a 7-2 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Falcons.
Grayson Shield put in work no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, tossing four innings while giving up just one earned run off four hits. Shield was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two stolen bases and one run.
In other pitching news, Gloucester got a good showing from Jacob Williams, who tossed 1.1 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
Camden Phelps
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| 03/23/26 vs Grafton | 1 |
| 03/20/26 @ Jamestown | 1 |
Shield wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Camden Phelps, who went 2-for-3 with one stolen base. Phelps is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season.
New Kent came out on top against Smithfield on Friday thanks in part to the team's impressive eight-run fifth inning. The Trojans blew past the Packers 12-1. That looming 12-1 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Trojans yet this season.
Jonah Sorrell spent all six innings played on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered a run (which was unearned) on one hit and racked up eight Ks.
At the plate, the team relied heavily on Dylan Bowman, who got on base in all three of his plate appearances with one home run, two runs, and two RBI. Lane Boyette was another key player, going 1-for-3 with two RBI, one run, and one double.
New Kent was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .385. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Smithfield only posted a batting average of .059.
Gloucester's defeat dropped their record down to 0-3. As for New Kent, their win bumped their record up to 4-0.
The pitchers for both teams better look sharp on Tuesday as neither team is afraid to steal. Gloucester has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.7 stolen bases per game. However, it's not like New Kent struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 3.2 stolen bases. The only question left is which team can snag more.
Gloucester was able to grind out a solid victory over New Kent in their previous meeting back in April of 2019, winning 4-0. Will the Dukes repeat their success, or do the Trojans have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
