Hickory Grove Christian is 9-1 against Gaston Day since April of 2018 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Lions will look to defend their home field against the Spartans at 4:30 p.m. Hickory Grove Christian is strutting in with some hitting muscle as they've averaged 6.9 runs per game this season.
Hickory Grove Christian took a loss when they played away from home last Tuesday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Tuesday. They put the hurt on Concord Academy with a sharp 8-1 win. The Lions might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five matchups by seven runs or more this season.
Zach White made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Hickory Grove Christian is 2-1 when he allows at most one earned run, but 5-6 otherwise. White was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run while going 1-for-3. What's more, he posted two RBI, the most he's had since back in March.
In other pitching news, Zach Frost looked comfortable as he didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over four innings pitched. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Hickory Grove Christian is undefeated when he allows at most one earned run, but 4-7 otherwise.
Davis Cabbage
| 03/31/25 @ Asheville Christian Academy | 3 |
| 04/08/25 vs Concord Academy | 2 |
| 03/07/25 @ Christ School | 2 |
| 02/25/25 vs Parkwood | 2 |
| 02/28/25 vs Charlotte Latin | 1 |
| + 1 more games |
Back at the plate, Davis Cabbage was incredible, scoring two runs and stealing a base while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances. He is becoming a predictor of Hickory Grove Christian's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-7 when he doesn't). Another player making a difference was Dean Colston, who scored two runs while going 2-for-3.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Gaston Day). They came out on top against Westminster Catawba Christian by a score of 5-2 on Tuesday.
Like Hickory Grove Christian, Gaston Day also got a great game from a two-way player: Julien McRae. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over 6.2 innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. McRae has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than two walks in seven consecutive appearances. He was also big at the plate, scoring a run while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
McRae wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Brody Smith, who scored two runs while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances. Those runs were Smith's first of the season.
The victory got Hickory Grove Christian back to even at 7-7. As for Gaston Day, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-8.
Hickory Grove Christian's speedy runners might be the difference in Thursday's game. The Lions have been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 2.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Gaston Day, though, as they've been averaging only 1 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Hickory Grove Christian continue to outrun the ball?
Everything went Hickory Grove Christian's way against Gaston Day in their previous matchup back in March, as Hickory Grove Christian made off with a 12-0 victory. Do the Lions have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Spartans turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
