Southeast Raleigh is 0-7 against Cleveland since March of 2022 but things could change on Friday. The Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs will venture away from home to challenge the Cleveland Rams at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Southeast Raleigh was handed a 21-run defeat in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Wednesday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Smithfield-Selma, sneaking past 9-7. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Bulldogs have posted since April 8, 2024.
Nicholas Teel tossed a big game, striking out nine batters over 4.2 innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits.
At the plate, Southeast Raleigh got a massive performance out of Josiah Heath, who scored two runs and stole Four bases. while going 3-for-3. The dominant performance gave Heath a new career-high in runs. Grayson Dove was another key player, scoring a run and stealing Four bases. while getting on base in three of his five plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Cleveland came tearing into Wednesday's matchup with three straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 9.3 runs), and they left with even more momentum. They were the clear victor by an 11-1 margin over the Hawks. The result was nothing new for the Rams, who have now won four games by six runs or more so far this season.
Caleb Lynn was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He struck out nine batters over four innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). Lynn was also big at the plate, scoring two runs and stealing Three bases. while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
In other pitching news, Mason Rodgers looked comfortable as he pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He has been consistent : he hasn't given up more than one hit in five consecutive appearances.
Back at the plate, Brayden McArthur and Brooks Moore did most of the damage at the plate: McArthur scored two runs while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances, while Moore scored two runs while going 2-for-4. Ty Lee also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.
Cleveland always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .583. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Cleveland's record is now 5-2. As for Southeast Raleigh, their victory ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-4.
Southeast Raleigh suffered a grim 21-0 defeat to Cleveland in their previous meeting on Tuesday. Can Southeast Raleigh avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
