The Rowan County Vikings will head out on the road to square off against the Model Patriots at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The teams are on pretty different trajectories at the moment (Rowan County has three straight victories, Model has eight straight defeats), but none of that matters once you're on the field.
Rowan County came out on top against West Carter on Tuesday thanks in part to the team's impressive 12-run second inning. The Vikings put the hurt on the Comets with a sharp 18-3 win. The result was nothing new for the Vikings, who have now won ten matchups by six runs or more so far this season.
Braxton Smith was a major factor no matter where he played. He pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. What's more, he posted two strikeouts, the most he's had since back in April of 2025. He was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
Sawyer Rodgers
| 04/28/26 @ West Carter | 3 |
| 04/21/26 @ Fleming County | 1 |
| 04/14/26 @ Bath County | 2 |
| 04/09/26 @ Lewis County | 4 |
In other pitching news, Sawyer Rodgers looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off five hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had over his last four games.
Back at the plate, Rowan County got a massive performance out of Aaron Pennington, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, four runs, and two stolen bases. The Vikings are undefeated when Pennington posts two or more stolen bases, but 8-11 otherwise. Grant Rose was another key player, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, three RBI, and one double.
Rowan County always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .657. That was just more of the same: they've now posted an OBP of .515 or higher in three consecutive contests.
Estill County hit Model with a four-run first inning on Tuesday, which goes a long way in explaining the final result. The Patriots lost 15-3 to the Engineers.
Model saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Henry Huddleston, who went a perfect 1-for-1 with two RBI.
Model's loss dropped their record down to 2-19. As for Rowan County, their record is now 14-11.
Model's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Rowan County hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .350. It's a different story for Model, though, as they've only averaged .216. Will they be able to contain Rowan County's hitters?
Rowan County got the 'W' in their previous matchup back in March against Model by a conclusive 10-4 score. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
