Franklin came into Thursday's contest having lost three straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They had just enough and edged the North Buncombe Black Hawks out 4-2. That result was just more of the same for these two, as Franklin also won the last time the pair played on April 1st.
Malachi Hayes was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he didn't allow a single earned run and only two hits while striking out six over six innings pitched. Hayes has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't pitched less than five innings in three consecutive pitching appearances. Hayes was also big at the plate, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 1-for-3.
Hayes wasn't the only one making solid contact as four players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Ian Knepp, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. Knepp has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in five consecutive pitching appearances. Another player making a difference was Jackson Hursey, who scored a run while going 2-for-4.
Franklin's win bumped their record up to 6-11. As for North Buncombe, their defeat dropped their record down to 7-11.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Franklin will take on East Henderson at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. As for North Buncombe, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Erwin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Erwin is coming into the matchup with three straight losses on the road, meaning North Buncombe will have to defend against a squad hungry for a victory.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
