Hoke County extended their losing streak to five on Friday, dropping them down to 8-12. They came up short against the Pinecrest Patriots, falling 15-1. Unfortunately, that's the third time they've come up short against the Patriots this season, with their most recent loss being a 5-0 defeat on Tuesday.
Jayden Hollingsworth was cooking despite his team's loss, going 1-for-2 with one home run.
As for Pinecrest, their victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 17-5. Considering they have won 12 contests by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
On Pinecrest's side, William Chopping was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off two hits (and not a single walk). Chopping has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI and one run. That's the most RBI he has posted since back in March.
In other pitching news, Taylor Graves looked comfortable as he pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. He has been nothing but reliable on the mound: he hasn't given up a single earned run in five consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Pinecrest got a massive performance out of Seth Norris, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with two stolen bases, four RBI, and two runs. Those four RBI gave Norris a new career-high. Bohdi Robertson was another key player, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
Looking ahead, Hoke County is taking a road trip to square off against Jack Britt at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for Pinecrest, they will look to defend their home field on Saturday against Laney at 12:00 p.m. The Patriots' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Buccaneers have averaged an impressive 7.1 runs per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
