Baseball Game Preview: Hempstead Bobcats vs. Brazos Cougars

For the second straight game, Hempstead will face off against Brazos. A feisty cat fight will be fought as Hempstead Bobcats face off against Brazos Cougars at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.

Hempstead took a seven-run defeat the last time they faced off against Brazos, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. Hempstead narrowly escaped with a victory as the squad sidled past Brazos 8-7. The win was some much needed relief for the Bobcats as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Brayden DiIorio

Hits (Career)

03/25/25 vs Brazos	3
03/04/25 @ Manor New Tech	2
03/21/25 @ East Bernard	1
03/14/25 @ Navasota	1
03/06/25 vs Weimar	1

Brayden DiIorio made a splash while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, pitching two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. He also tossed no earned runs, which is notable because Hempstead is 2-1 when he allows at most two earned runs, but 3-10 otherwise. DiIorio was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 3-for-4. Those three hits gave him a new career-high.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Anthony Melchor, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Those two runs gave him a new career-high. Kamron Eldridge also deserves some recognition as he brought in his first RBI of the season.

Hempstead's victory was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 5-11. As for Brazos, their loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 8-7.

Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Hempstead has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .432. However, it's not like Brazos struggles in that department as they've averaged .454. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.