Hoggard and Laney are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2019, but likely not for long. The Hoggard Vikings will host the Laney Buccaneers at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Hoggard is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.2 runs per game this season.
Hoggard proved they can win big on Tuesday (they won by seven) and on Wednesday they proved they can win the close ones too. They narrowly escaped with a win as the squad sidled past Swansboro 4-3. The Vikings haven't had any issues with the Pirates recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive victory against them.
Preston Smith made a big impact no matter where he played. He pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single walk in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
Brandon Bush
| 03/06/25 vs West Carteret | 3 |
| 03/19/25 vs Swansboro | 2 |
| 03/18/25 vs West Brunswick | 2 |
| 03/11/25 @ South Brunswick | 2 |
| 03/14/25 @ North Brunswick | 1 |
| + 2 more games |
Smith wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brandon Bush, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 2-for-3. Hoggard is undefeated when Bush posts two or more runs, but 1-5 otherwise.
Meanwhile, Laney unfortunately witnessed the end of their three-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of Ashley by a score of 7-5. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest defeat the Buccaneers have suffered since April 26, 2024.
Jackson Noon made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and went 1-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. That triple was his first of the season. Jason Sproull was another key player, scoring a run while going 2-for-3.
Even though they lost, Laney kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. This was only their first loss (out of three games) when they post 11 or more hits.
Hoggard pushed their record up to 5-5 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those victories came thanks in part to their pitching effort, having only surrendered 3.0 runs on average over those games. As for Laney, their loss was their first in the conference, dropping their conference record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 4-4.
Hoggard's speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's contest. Hoggard has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Laney, though, as they've been averaging only 0.9 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hoggard continue to outrun the ball?
Hoggard came up short against Laney in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, falling 5-2. Can Hoggard avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
