The Hickory Flat Rebels will venture away from home to face off against the Falkner Eagles at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Hickory Flat couldn't beat Wheeler on Tuesday even though they stacked four runs on them in the third inning. The Rebels came up short against the Eagles, falling 20-4.
Nick Talley was cooking despite his team's loss, going 2-for-3 with one triple, one run, and one RBI. Cade Clayton was another key player, going 1-for-2 with one run, one double, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Falkner, who bounced back after a loss on the road on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 16-6 margin over Houlka on Monday. The Eagles' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Nolan Ashley was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run while striking out 12 over 4.2 innings pitched. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up a single earned run in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with two runs and two RBI.
In other batting news, Anthony Morgan was incredible, getting on base in three of his four plate appearances with three stolen bases and three runs. Those three runs gave him a new career-high. Jaxon Todd also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Falkner always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .636. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Hickory Flat's loss dropped their record down to 0-3. As for Falkner, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Falkner's pitching crew has a crucial task ahead of them: Hickory Flat hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .327. It's a different story for Falkner, though, as they've only averaged .187. Will they be able to contain Hickory Flat's hitters?
Hickory Flat suffered a grim 15-0 defeat to Falkner in their previous meeting back in March of 2025. Can the Rebels avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
