Hawthorne is 0-5 against Williston since March of 2016 but things could change on Friday. The Hornets will be playing at home against the Red Devils at 7:00 p.m. Hawthorne is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 8.8 runs per game this season.
Hawthorne will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Monday, then bounced right back against Countryside Christian on Thursday. The Hornets were the clear victors by a 17-9 margin over the Minutemen. Considering the Hornets have won seven matchups by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Branson Byrd
| 04/03/25 @ Countryside Christian | 5 |
| 03/27/25 @ Oak Hall | 1 |
| 02/18/25 @ Saint Francis Catholic | 1 |
| 04/04/24 vs Crescent City | 3 |
| 03/23/24 vs Eastside | 7 |
Branson Byrd made a splash no matter where he played. He pitched three innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits. What's more, he posted five strikeouts, the most he's had since back in March of 2024. He was also big at the plate, scoring three runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all six of his plate appearances. He has become a key player for Hawthorne: the team is undefeated when he posts at least two runs, but 3-8 otherwise.
In other batting news, Hunter Thomas was a standout: he went 4-for-5 with four RBI and one double. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March. Ethan Thomas was another key player, scoring two runs while going 4-for-6.
Hawthorne kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 20 hits. They are 5-1 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Williston scored first but ultimately less than Branford in their contest on Thursday. They fell just short of the Buccaneers by a score of 6-5.
Waylon Geiger and Blake Martin did some serious damage despite the final result: Geiger scored a run while going 2-for-3, while Martin scored a run and stole a base while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances. Breeden Clemenzi also deserves some recognition as he hit his first double of the season.
Hawthorne's victory bumped their record up to 10-8. As for Williston, they dropped their record down to 11-8 with the loss, which was their third straight on the road.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hawthorne has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .497. However, it's not like Williston struggles in that department as they've averaged .432. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Hawthorne might still be hurting after the 16-1 defeat they got from Williston in their previous meeting back in February. Will the Hornets have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.
